WineLovers Discussion Group

• 2001 Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Douro - Portugal, Douro (8/12/2006)
  Deep ruby coloured wine, with barnyard, a mixture of red and black fruits, cardamon and a hint of tar on the nose. Beautifully smooth and balanced wine that builds throughout the palate. Loads of flavour here, with rich blackberries, black plums, leather and smoky pepper. Some (ripe) tannins at the end suggest this will last a while yet. But it is lovely now, a powerful, exotic and classy Douro red. The good news is I have 3 left; the bad news is I have only 3 left! (A-/A)

I've been really impressed with several Douro (dry) reds from this producer and others including Vallado, Roriz and Crasto. best of all, unlike port, you don't have to wait 20 years to enjoy them!