88 year old vineyard with 40+ varieties. Foot trodden & fermented in lagares. 20 months oak ageing.
Roasted, mocha notes on the nose, with that talcum powder hint that feels so characteristic of Douro. Inky black, the palate kicks off with dense, concentrated blueberry and blackcurrant compote. The fruit is velvety, but with fine yet mouth-coating tannins
There’s fire in the belly here, but it stays in balance, with tension and a salty mineral streak on the finish. Ultimately there is freshness, despite the monolithic and concentrated character.
In many ways, this is the big, beefy style that’s also produced at properties such as Quinta Vale D. Maria (where Sandra used to make the wine) or Quinta do Crasto. It isn’t totally my thing, but nonetheless this is an exciting wine.