EAST COAST PALATE

After a week-long hiatus I'm back to the blog.  I admit I've had plenty of wine over the holidays.  I post reviews for some of the bottles that I really enjoyed, but for now, we move on to the wine of the day...

Periquita 2004 Reserva
This blend by José Maria da Fonseca comes from the Terras do Sado region in Portugal.  It has some berry and plum aromas that give way to more interesting smells like dusty basement and flowery perfume.  I think the perfume smell stems from the alcoholic blast that the nose brings, even though this wine weighs in at 13.5%.  The color is dark red with a transluscence that lets light shine through.  There are some particles floating around since this is an unfiltered wine, but the aromas are really pleasant and a little dirt won't hurt anyone.
There is an initial hit from the tannins that dry out the mouth, but then the flavors settle, the texture softens, and a plummy, strawberry quality brings this wine to life in the mouth.  There is an aftertaste that reminds me of Port, a kind of burnt molasses aspect.  That could be that the grapes are the same used in many Ports (Castelao, Touriga Nacional, and Touriga Franca), or it could be that the wine smells like it could be fortified.
Overall this isn't a big bodied wine.  It is smooth, with some complex aromas.  I picked it up for about $20 in a Montgomergy County liquor store.  I give it an A-, and I'm pleased with this Portuguese effort.  I'll be looking for more from José Maria da Fonseca

Well, almost anyday is a good day to enjoy a glass of port, but something about the blustery winds and the biting chill in the air that makes me want a book and a fire, some Medeski Martin & Wood playing on the stereo, and a generous pour of Sandeman in my glass.
These two wines are very distinct from each other, but both are excellently made.  The 2000 LBV (Late bottled vintage is wine from a specific year that is left to age 4-6 years before the bottle is even released) is composed of some beautiful dried fruit aromas.  There are raisins and figs, ripe black cherries and sticky dates.  Despite the obvious sweetness that will be present, this Port brings a creamy balance of sweet and tannic.  There is a very woody/dusty smell about this wine that I really enjoy, and for just under $30, this bottle is a good deal.  If only sipped here and there this is a bottle that could easily last a month.
The Founders Reserve immediately hits me with the scent of molasses.  There is a toasted wood element that hints at the tannins that are in this wine.  Once in the mouth it's a rich mixture of jam and heat (from the alcohol).  The tannins in this wine back up that sweetness, though, and this Porto by Sandeman is well balanced.  At under $20, this port has a better value for me than the LBV. 
Both of these wines are full of intense flavors, and would pair perfectly with chocolate or even a strong sharp cheese.  What I'd like to do though, is make a mix of dates, figs, and raisins, then throw in some almonds and cashews to make a sweet n' savory snack to go with the LBV.  There's nothing like a glass of Porto to take the edge off of the cold air.  It feels like winter has arrived on the East Coast, but with some warming Porto we can all be ready for it.  Cheers to all.

This is not a white wine that many people know about yet.  If you like Sauvignon Blanc or Gruner Veltliner, give this wine a try.  If you haven't tried Gruner Veltliner yet, give THAT a try. 
This wine only boasts %9 alcohol, so the good part is you can drink even more!  It is light, almost watery in appearance.  The nose is mostly floral, with hints of oily petroleum coming through, as well.  There is a bit of a bitter, grassy/herbal bite when you taste it, but the tart acids cut so cleanly through to the palate that your tongue and cheeks are left with a tangy wow feeling, a crisp finish that goes a long way.
I picked this wine up at the YES Organic Market, because I had recommend this wine to Nick and Allison, whom I met while pouring wine down there.  It dawned on me that I should try the wine, too, if I were going to start telling other people about it.  I happy I brought one back to try.  For $8, it is a wine that is definitely worth its cost for my palate.  I love the acidity and minerality on this wine.  Ideally I would be in Annapolis drinking this wine with raw oysters or steamed clams, but it serves as a good sipping wine, too.  Like the last wine reviewed, this gets 88 points from me.  That Iberian peninsula is showing some serious under-$10 talent this week.
As for whatever readers are here with me in my formative blogging/reviewing phase, share some stories, post some reviews, send ideas.  It's all about One Wine Love.  I want to see this site evolve into a forum for anyone with a taste for fun, food, and a good glass of wine.  Cheers to all.