Aroma: Fresh agave sweetness leads

The XO expression is pot-still distilled twice from California Central Valley grapes — primarily Thompson Seedless and Flame Tokay varieties — then barrel-aged for a minimum of two years

This is a wine built for sipping on its own or alongside hearty food rather than cocktails

Smoked ribs with a molasses-based barbecue sauce create a natural flavor bridge

Given its age and restrained style

Dow's Vale Do Bomfim Douro cognac-special-cuvée Aroma: Fresh agave sweetness leadsDow's Vale Do Bomfim Douro is a 750ml, 14% ABV Portuguese red blend from the Douro Valley, built on Touriga Nacional and three traditional Port grape varieties. What distinguishes this wine immediately is its provenance: the fruit comes from Quinta do Bomfim, the historic estate that supplies grapes for Dow's celebrated Vintage Port wines. The 2017 vintage earned 86 points from Wine Enthusiast critic Roger Voss. Quick Facts: ABV: 14% Origin: Douro