The Wine Tipster was introduced to wines from the Dão region in northern Portugal when the wines were mainly cooperative produced, rustic and heavy handed on the tannins.  Today, is a different story, with many quality producers like Quinta da Bica, Dão Sul, Quinta de Pellada, Quinta de Saes and Quinta da Falorca making some of the best wines in Portugal, with the latter one of my favourite wineries from this region. Last night, after decanting, we had the Quinta da Falorca Reserva Lagar 2009, Quinta Vale da Escadinhas, abv 14%, £18.99,  www.armitwines.co.uk , which on the nose has plums, damsons and herbacious aromas, then intense flavours on the palate of ripe cherries, plums with spice and flint notes. This Touriga  Nacional, Arganoés and underrated Alfrocheiro dominated blend has many years of pleasure ahead. Also, look out for Quinta da Falorca’s Garrafeira 2004, Quinta Vale da Escadinhas abv 14.5%, £42.85, www.armitwines.co.uk which is refined, complex and full of the most delicious fruit flavours.

Away from the Dão region, the incredible 2009 Bordeaux vintage produced delicious wines at all levels, with Cru Bourgeois wines offering quality and value for us all to enjoy. For example Cháteau Arnauld Haut – Médoc 2009, abv 14%,  Cru Bourgeois,  is packed with full flavoured fruit, with tannins soft enough to enjoy this Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend now or certainly keep.

Staying in France, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Macon Villages 2010, abv 12.5%, £6.99 is strikingly good value as an aperitif wine and another example of much good white Burgundy is available.

Today at Cartmel I’m hoping that the Lucinda Russell trained Cadore in the 4.55 The Cartmel Cup will scoop the prize in a competitive race at 11/2.

Cheers and happy punting!