This Portuguese wine with a huge mouthful – do open it 30 minutes before you’re ready to drink it.

'07 Carm Quinta do Coa Vinho Tinto

A friend brought this Douro region gem to the BYOB we dined at for my birthday dinner – boy does she know my tastes well.  It is deep ruby in the glass, has an intense luscious fruit nose and is concentrated cherry/raspberry on the palate with a lovely medium finish.  As a fan of beefy American Zinfandels, I really enjoyed the powerful, 14.5% alcohol wine.

91 Points “Smart Buy” – Wine Spectator.

Around $15.