Recently Tasted

CHÂTEAU DONA BAISSAS PER DONA 2007, AC Cotes du Roussillon-Villages (France); # 151365; Price: $15.95; 14.1% ABV

More dried herbs, smoke, and some black pepper than fruit on the nose. More of the dark fruit comes through on the palate, along with anise. Almost full-bodied, it’s down the middle in acidity and tannins, yielding a smooth finish with herbs and spices. Works much better with food (try it with lamb) than on its own.

SÃO MIGUEL DAS MISSÕES RESERVA 2008, Vinho Regional Alentejano (Portugal); # 155796; Price: $15.95; 13.5% ABV

Aromas of black cherry, plum and blackberry. Medium acidity and some grippy tannins with mostly plum and black cherry continuing on the palate. It’s medium-bodied with a reasonable length. Good value.

LUIS CAÑAS FERMENTADO EN BARRICA BLANCO 2008, DOCa Rioja (Spain); #146217; Price: $14.95; 13.5% ABV

Hello, Woody! OK, it’s barrel fermented and aged in oak and that’s almost all I get: freshly sawn wood on the nose and in the taste. Disappointing.

LE SECRET DES CAPITELLES 2007, AC St-Chinian (France); #156299; Price: $14.95; 14.4% ABV

Aromas of black cherry pie filling, plum, blackberry, dried herbs (rosemary, thyme), bacon, leather, anise, and black pepper. Grainy tannins and good acidity with flavours of black cherry, plum, herbs, and leather. Full-bodied, it has a medium length with the black fruits and herbs lingering through the finish. Lots happening, a great value!

TSANTALI RESERVE RAPSANI 2004, AO Rapsani; #734855; Price: $18.95; 13.5% ABV

Plum, dried herbs, earthy, and roasted coffee beans on the nose. Flavours of plum and herbs continue on the palate with some assertive tannins and good acidity as well. Medium-bodied. Good length with the dried herbs lingering at the finish. A good wine with lamb.





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