Dao
Dao
Caves Sao Joao 1996 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Still structured, with red fruit and vanilla set against an integrated tannic frame. The palate is light and mature, yet sound bottles retain good colour, a composed texture and a clean finish. Bottle variation is pronounced, with some examples appearing fresher than their age and others more fragile. Stand upright, open carefully and assess before deciding whether to decant.
Caves Sao Joao 1985 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Mature dark cherry and red berry sit beneath tobacco, pencil lead, graphite and dark chocolate, with damp earth, mushroom and leather adding further savoury depth. Medium acidity and resolved tannins give the palate a gentle, evolved shape, while hints of mint, dried flowers and cured meat carry the finish. Bottle variation is expected; stand upright and decant carefully around sediment.
Niepoort 2018 Rótulo Touriga Nacional Dão
Wild fruit and violet form an expressive, delicate bouquet. The palate has good structure, mineral character and fine tannins, and the finish is fresh and persistent. This red is made from Touriga Nacional and carries 13 percent alcohol. The Dão vineyards lie on granite terroir at the foot of the Serra da Estrela. The style is fresh and light, with pronounced acidity.
Pedra Cancela 2021 Vinha da Fidalga Cerceal Branco Dão
Austere aromas recall quince and field herbs, while tart apple appears in the flavour profile. The aromas remain closed and youthful. Fine acidity runs through a full-bodied, well-structured palate. The finish remains austere, vibrant and broad. The wine is made entirely from Cerceal Branco in Portugal’s Dão region. Alcohol is twelve percent. Balance and pronounced character are also present.
Vinhos Borges 2018 Meia Encosta Dão
Red and ripe fruit lead a generous but precise palate, supported by fine tannins rather than overt weight. Fresh acidity gives the wine lift and keeps the fruit defined through the middle, while a quiet savoury edge adds complexity. The finish is persistent, returning to red fruit with a clean, balanced shape. Pair with roast chicken, grilled pork, chorizo pasta or a simple beef stew.
Caves Sao Joao 1992 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Dark fruit and forest-floor aromas lead to dark cherry, mixed berries, leather and a light balsamic edge. Soft tannins give the palate an easy, mature shape, while surprisingly bright acidity keeps the fruit defined and the medium-length finish fresh. Stand upright before opening and pour carefully around sediment; the balance suggests a bottle holding its age with quiet assurance.
Caves Sao Joao 1990 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Flint, steel and damp earth lead into autumn leaf, tarragon, cherry pit, espresso, tart red berry, fresh cigar tobacco and damson plum. Lean and elegant rather than fruit-driven, the palate has clean, softened acidity and an austere, savoury line. A short decant helps it open. Serve with duck, grouse or salmon, and handle the mature cork and sediment with care.
Caves Sao Joao 1982 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Light garnet with pronounced bricking opens slowly into dried red cherry, currant, hickory, mulch, wet hay, sweet cedar and worn leather. The palate is mature but alive, with resolved tannins and medium acidity carrying savoury red fruit, tobacco, coffee bean and cigar-box detail. Give it twenty to thirty minutes in the glass; stand upright beforehand and open carefully, as older corks may be fragile.
Caves Sao Joao 1989 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros Reserva
Brick-garnet in colour, with cherry and strawberry moving into dried herbs, baked gingerbread, leather and a gently earthy savoury tone. The palate remains bright, carrying red fruit and raisined nuance on a firm line of acidity, while mature bottles may show a touch of oxidation. Stand upright before opening, pour carefully, and serve with roast pork, mushrooms or braised dishes.










