Herdade Dos Grous 2006 Tinto/Red Wine

*Bottle #43: Herdade Dos Grous Vinho Regional Alentejo 2006 Tinto/Red Wine

*Price: $18

*Running Tab: $530

Possibly the coolest element of the Herdade Dos Grous Red Wine was the label's Webpage. Not a complete 180 from last week's criticism but Herdade Dos Grous has various translation options (Dutch, please?), a silhouette of their elusive grouse (two, to be exact) and a Google map of their exact location, (latitude, longitude and something else?). How hip.

Claiming "great wine" as their duty, the site showcases photos of the Dos Grous estate vineyards and stunning manor by the unnamed river in Albernoa (research says the Guardiana River) but all at a quick glance with no description other than the title.  All we get on the winery itself is a brief mission statement and the rest is left to the taster's discretion. Aw, objectivity. 

There's a little bit of subjectivity. Well, the facts.

The Alentejo region of Portugal is not only one of the oldest regions in the nation but one of the oldest left on the planet. Along with being the largest region, Alentejo is said to be particularly tailored for "typical wine" production of exceptionally high quality. 

The Tinto - Red Wine blend from Herdade Dos Grous harbors a few varietals that were unchartered territories for me, not to mention my only grasp of Portugal is 1) Port and 2) Touriga Nacional (the main variety used in Port). 

So with 15% Syrah being the only familiar part, here's the remaining role call:

- 35% Aragones: The Portuguese version of Tempranillo. Deep purple, full-bodied berries and tobacco.

- 30% Alicante Bouschet: Blending grape used for its polyphenols (color and tannins).

- 20% Touriga Nacional: Lotsa tannins, juicy dark fruit and considering to be Portugal's finest. The grape of Port.

And in the end, the only thing that matters is how it smells and tastes to me. Case and point.

Smells like... Dark and jammy, full of spice and plum notes, dried fig after awhile and a really nice hint of cloves. I decided this: if the color purple had a smell (not the Oprah-funded musical), this would be it. Luscious and with a mysterious tone I couldn't pull out until after some time... It was floral - violets! Delightfully fresh-room scented, like clothes under the effect of a dryer sheet. 

Tastes like... Fruit! Dark and jammy, acidic with some subtle tannins that come back to bite you post-swallow and just enough heat. Complex and multifaceted but approachable and easily enjoyable. Kind of the real meal deal, man. 

Downside: Dies after just a few hours of oxidation. If you're going to drink this puppy, drink it in one sitting because it does not taste good after a few hours of uncorking, let alone the next day. 

Drinking a bottle in one sitting is no problem for two-three people, let alone me solo. 

Score: 8.