Portugal Duo

Rather like buses....it's been a while since I drank a Portugiese red..then along came two..on consecutive evenings...

Calheiros Cruz Reserva 2000

Douro, Portugal

Still fairly deep with purple tone; reminded me of the old style Riojas, gentle vanilla of oak, not overdone, didn't fill the room as some do...but was a pleasure to go back for another sniff..dry wine, finely balanced, soft tannins. I really 'enjoyed' this wine.

Grapes Touriga Nacional & Tinta Roriz..aged in French Oak

Points 17

Next evening we were at friends for dinner..he had been at his local wine shop and had been recommended to buy this wine..(the owner of the shop knew I was a guest)

Quinta Do Crasto Reserva Old Vines 2004

Douro, Portugal

Wine was covered up...I guessed the country and area..which was maybe not too difficult after the previous evening's wine.Deep colour, intense purple; at first very masculine on the nose ..dark fruits..but developed tremendously in the glass..the last whiff showing creaminess; soft in the mouth backed up with a soft tannin kick...very enjoyable now..but should develope interestingly over the next 5-10 years

Points 17.5 +