Dow Vale do Bomfim 2004 “Douro Reserva” ($14-$15; Portugal)
Tastes like – An intense bouquet of ripe fruit seasoned with spicy vanilla oak leads the charge to flavors of vivid red-berry and cassis fruit gently layered over firm tannins.
Geography – Comes from Oporto, in the Douro region of Portugal, where port is produced. However, while port is a sweet dessert wine, Vale do Bomfim is a dry red table wine.
Vineyards – Grapes come from Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, two legendary port quintas (vineyards) owned by the prestigious Dow’s port house, which also owns Vale do Bomfim.
Grapes – A blend of touriga franca (40 percent), tinta roriz (40 percent) and tinta barroca (20 percent), which are also used to make port.
How it’s made – Fermented in stainless-steel tanks and aged in second-year American oak barrels six months before bottling.
Drinking it – For the next year or two before it smoothens, serve it with a thick steak or grilled ribs, which can absorb the robust young tannins. After that, it will also complement poultry and light meats.
Ben Giliberti
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