Pink Elephant Rose

Vintage: 2008
Type: Blend of 4 grape varieties
Country: Portugal



I discovered this brand at the Tesco Wine Fair 2008 and tried this modern blush for the first time. I decided to re-visit it today at the Fair, just because I have fond memories of Portugal.

This is one of the few wines that tickled my palate so much that my mouth watered immediately. Although attempting to be a feminine wine that should accompany heavy Indian curries, I really believe that this blush could be enjoyed on its own, with maybe a small dish of rice crackers or wasabi peas to balance out the wine's tangy notes.

The four grape varieties that are used to make this easy-to-drink wine are Alfrocheiro, Castalao, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Because cases are so cheap at the moment, I imagine this will be the first rose wine that will grace our ever-growing rack.

More info here.

Selfridges Vintage Port

Vintage: 2001
Type: Port
Country: Portugal



As I love port I thought it would be interesting to try the Selfridges brand port (bottled by Whytingham's). Long story short, spend your money elsewhere. You can get better port at a better price and I was very disappointed with this bottle. The flavours were not full and even the colour was too light. Not worth the price.

Quinta do Poco do Lobo

Vintage: 1993
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Portugal



This wine was a bit of a surprise, as it seems to have been on the wine rack for a long time. How else would a 1993 vintage still be around! This wine was well aged; it seemed to be past its prime, but nevertheless a good glass. The colours were good, the aroma pleasant and the taste subtle and refined.

Taylors - Quinta de Vargellas

Vintage: 1988
Type: Special Vintage Port
Country: Portugal




An excellent special occasion vintage port. It needs to be decanted, but as long as you are careful it is a breeze. Unless you spend a lot of money for a true vintage port, this is the best port that you can buy (and it can be found relatively easy.)