Wine Spectator: An earthy and rich wine, with berry, cherry and a touch of volatile acidity. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Not as good as when tasted from barrel. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
The Wine is produced from grapes grown on Real Companhia Velha's Quinta das Carvalhas. Across the
Douro river from the town of Pinhão, it possesses a series of vineyard parcels that range in age from 60
to 80 years old. These parcels are planted with the varietiesbelow, along with Rufete,Souzão and others
in lesser quantities. Since the yields are never more than one to one and a half tons per acre, the must is
always centrated. After picking, the very ripe grapes are hand-selected and crushed with the stems.
Maceration is accomplished by foot treading several times a day until fortification with wine brandy.
Conditions in the 2000 harvest were ideal to produce grapes of great ripeness, while a significant acidity
was retained which will support ageing for a long time.
The blackish ruby-garnet color of the wine calls attention to the potential that is in the glass. Violet
highlights signify a youthfulness and vitality that will persist until the wine softens and reaches its
maximum potential.
The usual spirit aromas carry with them intense plum and backberry fruits coupled with cedar and spicy
components that produce a very impressive aromatic introduction. Very full bodied, the palate attack is
big yet graceful in its strong elements of spirit, intense cherry and berry fruit and lively play between
medium sweetness and refresshing acidity.
The tannin grip is aggressive and necessary to carry the other elements to a long and most memorable
finish of richness and depth of flavor that is rare even in Vintage Ports.
