Roy Hersch missed his flight from Seattle but Dirk, co-owner of Devines Edmonton, was terrific in his knowledge and presentation. 16 sit down and all wines 16% off regular price.
1) 2016 Porto Quevedo VP.
Sweet nose, quite open, fruit forward palate..chocolate, violets galore on the nose. Pretty wine, very nice tannins, "candied" from Dirk. $99.99 Cdn,
2) 2016 Fonseca in 375 ml format.
No green notes! Restrained nose at first, elegant, sweet notes, some tannins here.Best of the first 3, spicy, mineral, less heat. $86.99
3) Crofts.
Looking forward to this one! Lighter color of the first 3 served Not as sweet as above. Wild flowers, v expressive, figs on nose, boysenberry. "More chunky than the Forseca" I heard. $149.99 Cdn
4) Warre`s
Nose tad closed, rubbing alcohol noted. Travel shock here I wonder?Tannins not as overpowering, not a delicate port here. Flavors of berry and mint carry on as wine stood around. $116.99 Cdn.
5) Dow`s VP.
WOTN for me and a few others. Drier style maybe. Soft sweet tannins very approachable. Some wild herbs, could fruit be hiding the structure? Nose was cassis, berry, floral and tea hints. Long-lived I would say but no expert. $149.99.
6) Taylor-Fladgate
I always buy the LBV. This is very nice, tad sweeter than the Dows.Not as peppery as the Warres but multi-dimensional, blueberry liqueur, gritty chalk tannins. "Currants, spice" noted.