2005 Vinho Doce

"Vinho Doce" is the name we have chosen to give to our Portuguese-style dessert wine. Meaning literally, "sweet wine," this name comes from a Portuguese term used to refer to all varieties of dessert wine. However, despite whatever generic overtones the name might imply, our Vinho Doce is essentially a Port in everything but its name. Consisting entirely of traditional Portuguese Port varietals, and produced much in the manner of its predecessors from the Douro, it is, in all respects, true to the spirit of a classic Port.

Our 2005 Vinho Doce is comprised of 25% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinto Cão, and 50% Tempranillo -- known in the Douro as "Tinto Roriz" -- all of which originates from our "Y" Ranch and Home Ranch Vineyards. Furthermore, alembic brandy distilled from Tempranillo grown in our Home Ranch vineyard was added to arrest fermentation in these three constituent wines, making this one of the very few estate-grown California "Ports" made entirely from the traditional Portuguese components. Aged in oak for 18 months, it has also been bottle aged for an additional year before release.

Deep garnet in color, this wine combines the youthful brightness of a Ruby and the greater depth of a Vintage Port. Featuring a generous array of clear, vibrant fruit, it manages to avoid rough, prematurely oxidized flavors, tending instead towards the bite and lushness of fresh berries. Overtones of lavender and vanilla provide an additional layer of complexity that nicely complements the fuit. A backbone of gentle tannins adds definition and structure, while a somewhat lower level of residual sugar than is found in most other Ports helps to ensure that its flavors are not overpowered by excessive sweetness.

Traditionally served after a meal, this wine pairs very well with dried fruit, nuts, and aged cheese, particularly bleu cheeses such as Stilton. Though it may be enjoyed while young, it also shows considerable aging potential.

750 ml
50 cases produced
18.5% alcohol
$45.00

375 ml
60 cases produced
18.5% alcohol
$23.00

Purchase Now