Ramos PintoDuas Quintas Reserva 2011

"This broad, rich and elegant red is filled with powerful flavors of dark plum, dried cherry and blackberry, marked by fine balance and a powerful structure. The long finish resonates with tarragon and black olive notes, layered with appealing hints of tar. Best from 2015 through 2022."

Intense dark colors and powerful tannins give this wine great weight and intensity. Flavors of black plum and strong spice surround a solid, dry core. With the structure still dominating, this wine is definitely for aging.

"The 2011 Reserva Duas Quintas red is principally Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca (50-40), with 10% Tinta da Barca, aged in an equal mixture of new, second pass and third pass oak (95% French, 5% Austrian) for 18 months. It comes in at 15% alcohol. In its youth, it is a pretty oaky wine, showing a vanilla overlay. That gives it a certain, one-dimensional feel early on. The good news is that it is bright enough to cut through the oak and it seems to handle its alcohol pretty well. The longer this was open, the more it developed and the more I appreciated its elegant mid-palate, refined tannins and persistent demeanor. This looks like a fine if as yet unevolved vintage for DQ Reserva. It should age gracefully, too. It really needs a year or two to settle down. Drink 2015-2026."