TN: This Crasto is top-notch!!!

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

WTN: `00 Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva Old Vines.

14% alc, opened 5 hours, unfiltered, good cork and drunk over a three day period.

Color. Medium red with ruby centre. Thin watery rim, no sign of age here.

Nose. Blind, one could almost think port-like! Spiced red and black fruits, very appealing nose here.

Palate. Touriga Nacional mainstay varietal here. Initial mouthfeel entry is soft tannins, terrific finish and cracking good stuff!! Cherry, plum, chocolate, good acidity and hint of tar. Very memorable allround with the spices and ripe fruit. Not austere and plenty going on, no heat. OK, a tad new world but it works. Think I have seen the `03 here on the shelves,one to put away I`d say.

Cost was around $22 Cdn.
Food, chicken breasts ina mushroom sauce, rice pilaff.

****** surprise, not much change over the three days.

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Giving this wine more time to evolve has paid dividends. 12 hrs later, the finish has really picked up, nice black fruits and savoury. Hints of cigar box really help this one along.