Quinta do Casal Branco, Tejo (Portugal) 2009

Many guests, foolishly, are hesitant to bring wine to a so-called “expert.” Well, fortunately, I have a friend who’s been learning about wine for a year or so who suggested I try this wine at dinner one night. You need more friends like this. A blend of indigenous Portuguese grapes with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), it has far more depth and class than you’d expect for the price. A slight tarriness balances bright juicy black fruit and insures that it doesn’t finish sweet. The smooth polished tannins are more at home in a wine three times the price. Buy it by the case for wintertime drinking.  I encouraged my friend to continue to bring wine to dinner.