One for the red wine drinking dog lovers.

THE LAB 2014 LISBOA RED BLEND

This is a Liquorland own label that I found last week in their Broome store. The vintage, price and origin surprised me. The fact that it was a multi blend didn't - those Portuguese just can't help themselves.

It's a medium weight red in perfect condition with the promise of further cellaring rewards. It may be a little feral barnyardy for some tastes which is why I scored it a 4. I suggest grabbing a bottle and tasting it over 3 days. See what you think. You may be rushing back for more.

GRAPE VARIETIES: A quadruple blend of Castelao, Tempranillo, Shiraz and Touriga Nacional
REGION: Lisboa, Portugal
A/V: 13%
PRICE: $9
FROM: Liquorland
RATING: 4/5 from me

A SECOND LABEL THAT'S WELL WORTH A TRY .... providing you buy it at the right price

We'd already been impressed by this maker's Premium Red so this was an interesting comparison. A solid impressive little red that over delivers at the markdown price. But still the premium is well worth the difference.


MULA VEHLA 2016 VINHO TINTO
GRAPE VARIETIES: Touriga Nacional, Aragonez and Castelao
REGION: Lisboa, Portugal
A/V: 13% 
PRICE: 2.19 euro [marked down from 5.49]
FROM: Continente, Portugal
RATING: 4.5/5 from me at the reduced price

A GREAT BIG BOTTLE AT A VERY CHEAP PRICE

For sheer visual impact this is a winner. A stylishly labeled magnum in an equally impressive gift box. And the stuff inside doesn't let you down.
This is an elegant stylish red with more finesse and subtlety than power. Big bottles slow down the ageing process so while I'd be happy to drink now I'd love to taste it in 5-10 years time. It could be something quite special. And even if it's not to your taste just give them away as Christmas presents.


CASTELO do SULCO 2016 RESERVA 1.5L Gift Boxed
GRAPE VARIETIES: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Syrah
REGION: Lisboa, Portugal
A/V: 13.5% 
PRICE: 4.99 euro 
FROM: Aldi, Portugal
RATING: 4.5/5 from me 

FLOR D' PENALVA 2015 RESERVA VIHNO TINTA

This wine is another that seriously challenges the efficacy and credibility of Continente's current sale. There is no way this wine justifies the "original" price tag. And at the reduced price there are so many better and cheaper. The wine is sound but why would you bother?

GRAPE VARIETIES: Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz
REGION:Dao, Portugal
A/V: 13 % 
PRICE: 3.69 euro [reduced from 12.49]
FROM: Continente, Portugal
RATING: 1/5 from me 

A RED OF VARYING PRICES

We first encountered this in Palmeiras Restaurant at Turiscampo, Espiche. The young guy behind the bar had the enthusiasm to recommend it and we were happy enough to pay 14.5 euro. Next day we bought a bottle at Aldi for 5.99 and right after that we spotted it at Continente for 4.49.
But that's to be expected and it's a lovely wine so who cares. It offers a more elegant profile than some of the beasts we've encountered so far in this part of the world. Wood is restrained and there's a tasty balance of lively fruit characters. Will cellar well with plenty of acid and highish alcohol level that's not overt.

TRINCA BOLOTAS 2016 VINHO TINTO
GRAPE VARIETIES: Alicante Bouchet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez
REGION: Alentejo, Portugal
A/V: 14% 
PRICE: 5.99 euro 
FROM: Aldi, Portugal
RATING: 4/5 from me 

TWO OUTSTANDING RIDICULOUS VALUE MARK DOWNS

It's easy to be sceptical about markdowns of this magnitude. Why so savage? And were they worth the original asking price. 
I don't know the answer to the first question but I can certainly answer "YES!" to the second.
These are two big, robust reds with plenty of everything. There's tannin, wood by the barrel load and lashings of complex fruit. Drink now with plenty of breathing or cellar indefinitely. 
If I lived in Portugal I'd be buying a few dozen of each.





Mula Velha 2016 Premium Red
GRAPE VARIETIES: Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouchet
REGION: Lisboa, Portugal
A/V: 13.5% 
PRICE: 2.99 euro [marked down from 10]
     FROM: Continente, Portugal
     RATING: 5/5 from me 

Rovisco Pais 2016 Premium Red
GRAPE VARIETIES: Touriga, Cabernet, Aragones [Tempranillo]
REGION: A/V: 14.5% 
PRICE: 3.89 euro [marked down from 13] 
FROM: Continente, Portugal
RATING: 5/5 from me