Quinta do CrastoReserva Old Vines 2011

The 2011 Reserva Old Vines (around 70 years of age on average) spent 18 months in 65% new and 35% used barriques (85% French, the rest American). The used barriques were previously new on the 2010 Reserva Old Vines. About the only bad thing you can say about this is that it is too marked by oak in its youth, but that is always true when it is young. That will become much better in time. Some cellaring will provide additional complexity as well, but it is otherwise quite approachable now even if not showing us all that it has to give. For my money, this is easily on the short list as a contender for “Best Reserva Old Vines” ever, because of its combination of concentration, lift, structure and superb balance. This is not the wine in the lineup that will always make you go “wow.” There is not a hint of bombast. However, it does everything beautifully, and balance is its hallmark. Even as it tightens with air, it proves how harmonious it is, showing off its finesse, crispness and focus. The fruit always seems fresh and lively here, never ponderous. The next day it hardly seemed changed. This should age pretty nicely. If all that is not enough, it is pretty tasty, too, a wine that will be hard to dislike on all fronts. Considering the price point, this is a “can’t miss” buy. There were 93,000 bottles produced. Drink now-2026.

A dark and powerfully rich wine from one of the top quintas in the Douro. It shows great concentration from the old vines. With its weight, dark fruits and dense tannins, it needs to age in order to bring out the solid wood and black, brooding character of the wine. Don’t drink before 2017.

Liquorice and treacle toffee on the nose. Purists might argue that it is a tad volatile but its fun and sweet. Full-on seduction…

Rich and meaty, with cherry and dark chocolate flavors supported by a full flush of acidity and firm tannins. Mineral and slate details extend with plenty of muscle on the finish.

Riktigt frisk i näsan, nästan lite eukalyptus-aktig, varm frukt, eldigt. Ett vin som gärna får serveras något svalt för att inte frukten ska bli överregistrerad eller för kladdig och klumpig. Så servera vid lite lägre temperatur, och håll det till exempelvis en grillad bit kött i sin enkelhet med lite potatisgratäng till. Mycket gott vin!