Quinta do Feital Vinho Verde Dorado 2004

Ripe, round and complex- this has about as much to do with Vinho Verde as a McDonald's hamburger has with filet mignon. Perhaps some of the parts may be the same... but I digress. With a couple of years of bottle age this wine has gained more complexity and nuance than I thought possible with this grape. It has begun to develop the secondary characteristics of a fine Meursault- there is plenty of balancing acidity to the rich and lush frame, along with notes that range from fresh peaches and apricots to candied orange peel to iris perfume. Underneath it all there is a golden and honeyed note that reminds of a plump golden raisin that has been baked into a bread pudding. Just a fantastic wine.