Lima Vinho Verde Rose 2016

Lima Vinho Verde Rose is made from 75% Souzao, 15% Borraçal and 10% Espadeiro.

It is a blend of 75% Souzao (same as Vinhao), 15% Borraçal (which is also known as Caino Tinto) and 10% Espadeiro:

Souzão (or Sousão or Vinhão) is a Portuguese wine grape that is used in the production of port wine. While originating in the Minho regions, it is used primarily in Australia, California and South Africa. In Portugal, it is also an authorized planting in the Douro, and Dão-Lafões area (Vinho do Dão). The grape is known for the deep color it produces in a wine as well as its coarse and raisiny taste.

Caiño tinto (also known as Borraçal) is a red Galician wine grape variety that is also grown in Portugal's Vinho Verde wine region where it is known as Borraçal. In Spain, it is a permitted variety in the Denominación de Origens (DOs) of Rías Baixas and Ribeiro where it produces highly perfumed wines with noticeable tartness and high acidity.

Espadeiro is a red Portuguese wine grape planted primarily in the Minho region for making Vinho Verde. It is also grown across the border, in Spain, in Galicia where it is used to make light bodied wines.

Lima Adega Vinho Verde is made from 80% Loureiro and 20% Trajadura

All Vinho Verde (or green wines – meaning young, not green in flavor) are the best in the first 18 months. The wine is fresh, crisp, lively with a touch of spritz. It has some very interesting aromas of stone fruit and lime.

Portuguese Vinho Verde with a screwcap!

Loureiro: Loureiro is a white vine variety grown in the northern region of Portugal that produces an aromatic bay leaf scent. The pale-skinned variety is used to make the Vinho Verde white wine that of the Minho region.Traditionally, Vinho Verde wines include Trajadura and Pederna, but varietal Loureiro wines are becoming increasingly popular. The Loureiro variety is also grown in smaller batches in Galicia, which sits to the north of border of Spain. Loureiro variety grapes are high in acid and is sometimes called "Branco", "Marques", or "Redondo". In this region, the variety is used to create the Rias Baixas white wine, and is typically blended with the variety, Albarino. The wine works perfectly with fish, grilled good, sushi, shellfish, salads or fruits. The wine also pairs nicely with clams and white wine or fresh spring rolls. The variety is high in acidity and is typically bottled with a shot of carbon dioxide to maintain the quality of the wine and to give it a nice, bubbly texture. The taste of the wine includes aromas of citrus, tropical fruits and a mineral tone, and also has hints of floral aromas.

Trajadura: Trajadura is a white grape varietal also known as Treixadura. Trajadura originates from Portugal, particularly the Northern region. Trajadura is most famously used in Portugal's Vinho Verde wine, but Trajadura is also utilized in blends to add fullness and brisk citrus flavor. The low acid content in Trajadura, combined with a higher alcohol content make it an ideal and rare blending component in this particular climate region. When Trajadura is blended with Loureiro and Albarino it is the perfect balance for Vinho Verde. In Spain, Trajadura is called Treixadura and is most commonly found n Rias Baixas and Ribeiro. Spain also takes advantage of the blending characteristics while combining with Albarino, Abillo, Lado, Macabeo, Godello, and Torrontes. The Trajadura vines are recognized by average sized bunches that are dense with moderately sized berries. Trajadura ripens early, so to keep the acidity, it must be harvested rather early. The flavor profile for Trajadura will consist of apricot, peach, apple, lemon, and pear.

With low alcohol, it is best as an aperitif or with seafood. Definitely a summer drink.

Lima Granite Vinho Verde is made from 100 percent  Loureiro.

This special project from the Adega Ponte de Lima highlights the diverse soils of the Vinho Verde region. Made from 100% Loureiro grapes, both the Granite and Schist varieties boast a crisp acidity and expressive minerality.

Lima Vinho Verde Granite displays intense floral aromas with great freshness and more accentuated minerality.

Sushi, fish, seafood, cheeses and salads.

Praia Aveleda Vinho Verde NV is made from 40% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura, 20% Arinto, 20% Azal.

Praia, which means "beach" in Portuguese, is a smooth and fresh wine with delicate and lovely fruity flavors. Slightly spritzy, it is well balanced and very refreshing.

The region is typical for its unique wines that are fresh and light, combined with a very well balanced acidity. These characteristics result from the region's unique soil and climate, with a strong Atlantic influence that you will identify when you taste it.

The wine is ideal as an aperitif or throughout a meal, especially with fish, seafood, white meat and salads. Due to it freshness, it is particularly pleasant in a relaxed and informal ambiance.

Carmo Vinhos Madeira Verdejo 10 Yr an amber medium dry wine with medium body and acidity. Rich aroma and flavor of dried fruits, nuts and caramel, showing a vibrant character, lengthy and well balanced. An excellent aperitif or as an accompaniment to pates.

Inglenook Rubicon  is made from 93% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Cabernet Franc.

Since its inaugural vintage in 1978, Rubicon has been the Estate's premier red wine, reflecting the soul of the property and expressing Francis Coppola's wish to create a Bordeaux-styled grand wine, that is, "a wine that can please contemporary taste, but with a historical aspect [that defines] our vineyards at their zenith."

Rubicon was named after the small river crossed by Julius Caesar in 49 B.C., declaring his intention to gain control of Rome, thereby launching a civil war among opposing factions. Over time the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has come to signify any irreversible action with revolutionary intent or the outcome of which holds great risk. True to its uncommon depth, Inglenook's Rubicon continues to be a testament to the finely tuned rendering of a risk well-taken.

2016:

After four years of drought, a winter with average rainfall was welcome, as it provided ample soil moisture for a strong start to the 2016 growing season. Average late-spring temperatures and limited precipitation minimized the risk of frost during mid-May bloom, ensuring average yields. June closed with a heat spell, slowing vine canopy growth at the ideal time. Harvest of the blocks contributing to the 2016 Inglenook Rubicon blend occurred under optimum conditions from September 6th through September 27th.

Ideal harvest conditions endowed the 2016 Rubicon with the three elements associated with a truly great wine from the Rutherford appellation: complexity, balance, and elegance. The aromas are intense and focused with top notes of creamy, sweet vanilla, and black licorice wound around a core of exquisitely ripe black cherry and crème de cassis. This refinement extends directly to the palate, where the wine is both broad and deep with sensuous, silky tannins. Supremely balanced in terms of both opulence and complexity, ripe black fruits and an ultra-smooth texture provide an impressive crescendo to a very long finish.

Review:

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is a wine of total precision and class. Translucent and energetic, with distinctly mid-weight structure, the 2016 is a wine of reserve, tension and breeding. Shy at first, the 2016 has a lot to offer, but it needs a number of years in bottle to be at its most expressive. Cedar, tobacco, licorice and wild cherry add the closing nuances.

- Antonio Galloni 97 Points