Weekend Wine Tasting: Portuguese Vinho

Join me Saturday, March 7th, from 1-4 pm and taste new wines from different regions of Portugal.

 In Vino Veritas! Dirk

2023 Luis Pato Maria Gomes, Barriada, Portugal – This is a crisp, aromatic white wine from Portugal’s Barriada region, crafted primarily from the Maria Gomes grape (aka Fernão Pires) with a touch of Sercialinho. Grown in sandy soils near the Atlantic coast, the grapes have vibrant freshness and subtle maritime influence. The nose offers notes of citrus blossom, while the palate reveals nice acidity and fresh tropical fruit. $18.00

2022 Aventura Vinho Branco, Alentejano, Portugal – This complex white wine is a blend of Arinto, Roupeiro, Alicante Branco, Fernão Pires, Antão Vaz, and even some Moscatel. It’s quite aromatic with floral and peachy notes. It has a nice texture and body balanced by a minerally dry finish. Wine Advocate: 91 $25.00

2024 Aventura Vinho Tinto, Alentejo, Portugal – Susanna Esteban’s Aventura red is a 40% Aragonês (Tempranillo), 40% Touriga Nacional, and 20% other traditional varieties. The wine is classic Alentejo, with brambly dark-berry notes, hints of violet, and spice. Medium plus bodied, with more bright fruit on the palate, and soft, lingering tannins. Great on its own, or pair with grilled skirt steak.  $28.00

2020 DFJ Vinhos “Vega” Tinto Douro, Portugal – Made from a traditional blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, this is a ripe, mineral-driven wine that has nice spice aromas and a juicy character. It is still structured with a core of tannins and will be better from 2025-2030. Wine Enthusiast: 90 $13.00

AND

California Roots Boutique Wine Tasting

Please join me Saturday, March 14th, 6:30 pm at The Margarita at PineCreek for a special wine tasting featuring delicious wines from boutique California wineries new to Colorado, paired with tasty bites from the Margarita kitchen.

Cost is $60 per guest (gratuity & tax inclusive)

For reservations, give me a call or respond to this email. Cheers, Dirk

Featured Wines

2022 Ross Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley AVA, Sonoma, California – This 100% estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe, round aromas of roasted cherry, blackberry, and cocoa, while the palate delivers flavors of macerated raspberry, bitter chocolate, mint, and toasty barrel spice in a framework of juicy acidity and soft tannin. Delicious now, this will age seamlessly for at least a decade. 350 cases produced. Wine Enthusiast: 94 $85.00 Special $65.00/bottle

2022 Ross Ranch “Ranch Red” Knights Valley AVA, Sonoma, California – This rich blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 8% Malbec, and 8% Zinfandel packs a wallop of blackberry, plum, black pepper, and licorice aromas on the nose. The palate is soft and juicy, with bright acidity, plush tannin, and flavors of cocoa, cherries, cinnamon, and violets lingering on the finish. 325 cases produced. Wine Enthusiast: 91 $65.00 Special $45/bottle

2021 Cordant Winery Pinot Noir, Radian Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, California – Given the proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the Radian vineyard is quite chilly, particularly at night, and it shows in this wine. While this wine is quite fruity (black cherry, red currant), it is also rather dark, pushing right up against brooding. Big, a bit burly, but short of boisterous, all of that fruit is held in check by a strong backbone of acidity, which, even given all the fruit, is what defines this wine. And that is the way it should be with Pinot, at least for me. Outstanding! $65.00 Special $45.00

2022 Cordant “Maniacal” Red, Central Coast, CA – Black cherry and light licorice aromas converge on the nose of this blend of 38% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache, 26% Petite Sirah, and 8% Syrah. The palate is intense, with black-cherry compote flavors dusted with pepper and herbs. Drink now through 2030. 413 cases produced. Wine Enthusiast: 93 $48.00 Special $35.00

2022 Cordant “Indocile” Red Central Coast, California – There are deep yet not overly dark aromas of boysenberry, elderberry, and blue flower that are cut by a rosemary blossom scent on the nose of this blend of 75% Syrah, 14% Petite Sirah, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fine-grained tannins frame a joyous yet not overly ripe palate of dark purple fruits and pepper dust. Wine Enthusiast: 94 $48.00 Special $35.00

2025 Mathis Rosé de Grenache, Sonoma Valley, California – This refreshingly lively wine shows aromas of orange blossom and lovely stone-fruit characters on the palate. Like a classic Provencial rosé, the mouthfeel is silky and compellingly satisfying; you’ll wonder how the bottle emptied so quickly! $30.00 Special $25.00