Nick Oakley popped round on Thursday and brought with him some new releases from Lisbon-region producer Quinta de Sant’ana, who he represents in the UK. I visited in March (report here), and tried cask samples of these three whites. It’s nice to see them in bottle – I think they are really good. UK retail for each will be in the region of £12.

Quinta de Sant’ana Verdelho 2009 Lisboa, Portugal
13% alcohol; 1978 bottles. Fresh, assertive nose with bright citrussy fruit and a bit of honeyed richness in the background. The palate is open and lemony with a gently herby edge to it. Fresh, crisp and precise with lovely balance. 88/100

Quinta de Sant’ana Alvarinho 2009 Lisboa, Portugal
12.5% alcohol; 890 bottles. Very interesting aromatics: lively, limey and herby with some lime cordial and white peach notes. The palate is dense and richly flavoured with taut herbiness and generous peach and citrus flavours. Real interest here: a lovely example of the Alvarinho variety. 90/100

Quinta de Sant’ana Riesling 2009 Lisboa, Portugal
12.5% alcohol; 2640 bottles. Aromatic, bright, limey nose. Fresh with lovely floral citrus notes. Very typically Riesling. The palate is crisp and lively with fresh, pure citrussy fruit and real delicacy. A lovely, precise dry style with no heaviness. 90/100