The only problem with winning Portuguese Independent Wine Merchant of the Year in 2007 was that we sold out of many of the Douro 2005 wines that we had concentrated on!

Fortunately, we now can bring you more of that vintage and introduce this year the probably even greater 2007, albeit initially offered Lying Abroad. Do get in touch if you are interested. Otherwise the range listed here, with additions on the Oddments List gives you great breadth of flavour from a plethora of fascinating, and ancient, indigenous grapes. Don’t forget the deliciously sweet and grapey Moscatel from Setúbal, outside Lisbon, either, possibly the best value sweet wine from Tanners at the moment.

The Douro has become the leading player in a long-overdue renaissance of Portugal in general, particularly of red wines. Quinta do Passadouro, Cedro do Noval, Quinta Vale D Maria and Johnny Graham’s Churchill Estate are in the vanguard of wonderfully robust wines. But João Portugal Ramos’ estate in the much talked-about Alentejano region should not be overlooked; his new Vila Santa Syrah has a touch of Viognier mixed in, which lifts it beautifully, while his two delicious, brilliantly priced Borba wines from the local varieties grown on the high plain above the Tagus river are outstanding. However, for straightforward, very drinkable yet interesting blends, dip into the two newcomers from Casal Branco, Terra de Lobos – super character and flavour at great prices.

Robert Boutflower