2007 Quinta de Aveleda Vinho Verde, Portugal (Pre-Arrival)

92 points and a "Winery of the Year" desigation from Wine & Spirits Magazine: "Ever since the Guedes family decided to put their best selection of loureiro, trajadura and alvarinho into their quinta wine, the quality has risen dramatically. This 2007 is full of fruit, a lasting peach flavor targeted with laserlike acidity through a lasting finish. It has the bite of the salty ocean air and a lot of zing. For langoustines." (10/08) Vinho Verde is not revered, but my argument is this: does it need to be? Can't a wine just be delicious without all of the pretense and hype? Isn't the purpose and intention of wine to drink it? The Quinta de Aveleda, if nothing else, is a wine that is supposed to be consumed, to be enjoyed. Alone, at a party, with food, as a cocktail, when it's 90 degrees outside or 27 degrees and snowing, it really doesn't matter. This wine is simply, unmistakably delicious. With the trademark fizziness of the region and plenty of cleansing acidity, this is one of the best wines in recent memory from this much-maligned region. Full of crushed stone, Meyer lemon zest, quince and key lime flesh this is surely for fans of crisp and racy whites. Don't be fooled into thinking that this is a one-trick pony, though; this has more complexity than most domestic chardonnays and will stand up to some serious food. I had a bottle recently with carnitas and it was amazing. (Bryan Brick, K&L Wine Merchants)