TN: 2006 Filipa Pato FP Ensaios Beiras White

[Brian C.]

This is a white wine that is a blend of Arinto and Bical grapes. Color is very yellow. Nose is herbaceous, and the taste is apple and some herb. The texture is very similar to a white port, though it doesn't taste like any that I've had. I drank this with my wife's seder dinner. It went especially well with the charoset (which was the Venetian recipe in Joan Nathan's cookbook, yum!). I enjoyed this one, and had been waiting for the right time to open the bottle. I don't drink a lot of white wines, I must confess. I think I paid $18 for it awhile back, but it goes for a buck or two more these days. Might be cheaper out east, of course.

That's my take. Here is a review of the 2007 version from a professional:

http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/20080813.html

[Roy Hersh]

Thanks for the note on the 2006, which I mistakenly took a pass on last year when it was offered. In Jancis, (with many things including Douro wine) I trust. Sounds like 2007 is a worthy vintage too. Happy Pesach.