Touriga Nacional is best known for making Port, but it’s also been one of the primary drivers in the revolution in wine coming from the Dao region in Portugal.  The wines that are currently being made take full advantage of the sunny summers, granite hills, and sandy soils.  The vines struggle, concentrate, and, thanks to many talented wine markers, create beautiful reds with a sense of place.  These factors helped Americo Nunes Seabra Dao 2008 become one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 values in 2012.  How has it held up?

Sight:  Brickish red near the edge, with garnet tinges throughout.  Tints of purple when concentrated, and only subtle signs of aging.

Smell:  Jammy blackberries and fresh black cherries come to the forefront. Hints of violets, stone, oak, and plums all come in and out to compliment the fruit.

Sip:  Surprisingly bright for its age, and showing a good amount of tannic structure even before the finish. Flavors of unripe black cherry, stone, and black plum skin all play prominent roles.  There are very few notes of oak, but there’s a hint of green earthy herbs or floral notes.

Savor:  Graphite and cherry come through with just a touch of herbs.  Tannins care the finish for a long period, and it begs for food.

Americo Nunes Seabra Dao has a ridiculously long finish, and carries the flavor combination for a long time.  The tannins and acidity are well controlled at this point in the wine’s life, and it’s ready for food of all sorts.   Anything from chili to steak to stew or roast pork would do well paired with this.  It’s not hard to see how Americo Nunes Seabra Dao got such a good rating at such a low price.  If you happen to find it, Americo Nunes Seabra Dao should be a no brainer to try.

Verdict:  Bright, Black Cherry, Herbal, Tannic
Price: $7
Dao, Portugal