Douro
Douro
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Matthew Jukes (18+)
Because this trio of wines runs in a neat sequence, I made one consecutive note to cover all three vintages – a direct comparative tasting note, if you will. 2016 is my preferred wine – it is the grandest, and it has the most potential. It is one of the finest value, elite reds I have tasted in a very long time. The 2017 is more refined, the most forward, most restaurant friendly and most open. It is lighter, more herbal, and it will get you in the mood while the others have a chance to mellow. I will hold back on any more notes on this wine because it is my MoneyWeek wine of the week this Friday! Finally, the 2018, which is a beauty. More flamboyant, more plush and sensual, and it is not dissimilar to the 2016 in fruit expression, but it is not quite as powerful or as impactful. Either way, you need all three in your collection because if you like each of these wines for their respective character traits, I can imagine you will follow this label for the rest of your days.Inc. TAX€325.98 -
James Suckling (96)
Fantastic aromas of blackberries and blueberries with tar and minerals. Medium-to full-bodied, with very firm and fine tannins that tighten the wine and make it compacted and impressive. A retro feel to this wine that reminds me of the great Barca Velhas of the 1960s. Better after 2027.Inc. TAX€366.78 -
Matthew Jukes (19+)
This is a stunningly serious wine with extraordinary class and detail. I wrote ‘utterly gobsmacking’ in my notebook – not words I often use. There is phenomenal balance, a stunning mid-palate, and epic length here, and this makes 2020 Leda the finest value £50 red wine on earth, not least if you want to drink a bottle now or in 30 years!Inc. TAX€647.62 -
Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 is an exemplary reflection of the Douro Valley. This partnership of the Symington family, known for their remarkable holdings in the northern Portuguese river valley, and Bruno Prats, former owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel, has resulted in an opulent, deep-hued wine precision-crafted from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes. Rich fragrance of violets and fresh blackberries emanate from this wine, unveiling robust tannins and a nuanced finish that solidifies the 2011 vintage's reputation for exceptional longevity. The medieval-like steep terraces of carefully chosen vineyards yield limited quantities, adding to this wine's exclusivity. Precision winemaking techniques like foot treading in temperature-controlled granite lagares ensure a harmonious interplay of power and finesse. Resting in French oak barrels for 15 months, Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 boasts a complexity akin to Bordeaux-style essence, yet indelibly Portuguese, making it a treasure for serious collectors and oenophiles alike.
Inc. TAX€2,068.42 -
Well regarded as a premier producer of Douro wines, Prats & Symington deftly crafted the Chryseia 2013 from a dry winter followed by an extremely hot summer, yielding flavours incomparable to previous vintages. Noted for the superb quality of touriga nacional and touriga franca grapes, this wine exudes a striking aromatic profile accentuated by blackberries, violets, and exotic spices - a direct product of meticulous winemaking and the unique Douro Superior terroir.
The Prats & Symington Chryseia 2013 exhibits beautiful depth and complexity. Lush hints of black fruit are perfectly balanced by the wine's vibrant acidity and refined tannins, resulting in a seamless, long finish. No stone was left unturned during its production; 100% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, adding an extra layer of richness and texture.
Prats & Symington's commitment to quality in creating the Chryseia 2013 sets a remarkable standard for Douro wines, promising an unrivalled wine-drinking experience.
Inc. TAX€673.75 -
Matthew Jukes (19+)
The first words I wrote in my tasting book were, ‘best Chryseia to date’. This is an incredible wine with so much character and accuracy it is impressive. I have visited this property and felt the aura emanating from these historic vineyards. This wine manages to bottle these mysterious elements allowing them to embed themselves into the intense, majestic and deeply fruited body of the two Touriga grapes. While this will be a long-lived wine, there is no doubt that it will appeal to impatient palates, too, given its tremendous and immediate appeal. I feel that this famous wine label is finally showing its full potential, and it has joined the pantheon of truly great red wine styles of the world in the 2018 vintage.Inc. TAX€691.98 -
Decanter (96)
Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva!Inc. TAX€483.18 -
Inc. TAX€877.98 -
Inc. TAX€869.58 -
The Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 represents the ultimate expression of fine Portuguese winemaking. This exquisite red blend is meticulously crafted by Cristiano van Zeller, a devoted vintner with a longstanding family pedigree in the Douro wine region. Nestled in the harsh yet beautiful terrains of Cima Corgo, this estate is renowned for its deep-rooted commitment to preserving the traditional styles and flavours of the Douro.
The 2015 vintage stands out for its superb composition of indigenous varieties, predominantly Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, judiciously fermented to achieve a harmonious fusion of power and finesse. Matured for 22 months in French oak barrels, the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 presents a luxurious canvas of dark fruit flavours, underscored by earthy undertones and refined, well-integrated tannins.
Savour its endless layers of complexity and depth. Every sip of the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 is a testament to the van Zeller's legacy and the timeless allure of Douro wine.
Inc. TAX€808.12 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The purple/black-colored 2007 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port exhibits an alluring bouquet of mineral, pencil lead, espresso, violets, black currant, and fruitcake. Dense and structured on the palate, it has an excellent integration of alcohol, acidity, and tannin. It should be one of the longer lived wines of the vintage with 12-15+ years of aging potential and a drinking window extending through 2037.Inc. TAX€405.10 -
James Suckling (96)
Very complex with dried flowers and roses. Full-bodied, very layered and tightly wound. Chewy and powerful. Firm and off-dry. Needs five or six years to soften. Beauty. Try in 2024.Inc. TAX€553.02
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Matthew Jukes (18+)
Because this trio of wines runs in a neat sequence, I made one consecutive note to cover all three vintages – a direct comparative tasting note, if you will. 2016 is my preferred wine – it is the grandest, and it has the most potential. It is one of the finest value, elite reds I have tasted in a very long time. The 2017 is more refined, the most forward, most restaurant friendly and most open. It is lighter, more herbal, and it will get you in the mood while the others have a chance to mellow. I will hold back on any more notes on this wine because it is my MoneyWeek wine of the week this Friday! Finally, the 2018, which is a beauty. More flamboyant, more plush and sensual, and it is not dissimilar to the 2016 in fruit expression, but it is not quite as powerful or as impactful. Either way, you need all three in your collection because if you like each of these wines for their respective character traits, I can imagine you will follow this label for the rest of your days.In Bond€253.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Fantastic aromas of blackberries and blueberries with tar and minerals. Medium-to full-bodied, with very firm and fine tannins that tighten the wine and make it compacted and impressive. A retro feel to this wine that reminds me of the great Barca Velhas of the 1960s. Better after 2027.In Bond€287.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19+)
This is a stunningly serious wine with extraordinary class and detail. I wrote ‘utterly gobsmacking’ in my notebook – not words I often use. There is phenomenal balance, a stunning mid-palate, and epic length here, and this makes 2020 Leda the finest value £50 red wine on earth, not least if you want to drink a bottle now or in 30 years!In Bond€521.00 -
Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 is an exemplary reflection of the Douro Valley. This partnership of the Symington family, known for their remarkable holdings in the northern Portuguese river valley, and Bruno Prats, former owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel, has resulted in an opulent, deep-hued wine precision-crafted from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes. Rich fragrance of violets and fresh blackberries emanate from this wine, unveiling robust tannins and a nuanced finish that solidifies the 2011 vintage's reputation for exceptional longevity. The medieval-like steep terraces of carefully chosen vineyards yield limited quantities, adding to this wine's exclusivity. Precision winemaking techniques like foot treading in temperature-controlled granite lagares ensure a harmonious interplay of power and finesse. Resting in French oak barrels for 15 months, Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 boasts a complexity akin to Bordeaux-style essence, yet indelibly Portuguese, making it a treasure for serious collectors and oenophiles alike.
In Bond€1,705.00 -
Well regarded as a premier producer of Douro wines, Prats & Symington deftly crafted the Chryseia 2013 from a dry winter followed by an extremely hot summer, yielding flavours incomparable to previous vintages. Noted for the superb quality of touriga nacional and touriga franca grapes, this wine exudes a striking aromatic profile accentuated by blackberries, violets, and exotic spices - a direct product of meticulous winemaking and the unique Douro Superior terroir.
The Prats & Symington Chryseia 2013 exhibits beautiful depth and complexity. Lush hints of black fruit are perfectly balanced by the wine's vibrant acidity and refined tannins, resulting in a seamless, long finish. No stone was left unturned during its production; 100% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, adding an extra layer of richness and texture.
Prats & Symington's commitment to quality in creating the Chryseia 2013 sets a remarkable standard for Douro wines, promising an unrivalled wine-drinking experience.
In Bond€539.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19+)
The first words I wrote in my tasting book were, ‘best Chryseia to date’. This is an incredible wine with so much character and accuracy it is impressive. I have visited this property and felt the aura emanating from these historic vineyards. This wine manages to bottle these mysterious elements allowing them to embed themselves into the intense, majestic and deeply fruited body of the two Touriga grapes. While this will be a long-lived wine, there is no doubt that it will appeal to impatient palates, too, given its tremendous and immediate appeal. I feel that this famous wine label is finally showing its full potential, and it has joined the pantheon of truly great red wine styles of the world in the 2018 vintage.In Bond€558.00 -
Decanter (96)
Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva!In Bond€384.00 -
In Bond€713.00
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In Bond€706.00
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The Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 represents the ultimate expression of fine Portuguese winemaking. This exquisite red blend is meticulously crafted by Cristiano van Zeller, a devoted vintner with a longstanding family pedigree in the Douro wine region. Nestled in the harsh yet beautiful terrains of Cima Corgo, this estate is renowned for its deep-rooted commitment to preserving the traditional styles and flavours of the Douro.
The 2015 vintage stands out for its superb composition of indigenous varieties, predominantly Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, judiciously fermented to achieve a harmonious fusion of power and finesse. Matured for 22 months in French oak barrels, the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 presents a luxurious canvas of dark fruit flavours, underscored by earthy undertones and refined, well-integrated tannins.
Savour its endless layers of complexity and depth. Every sip of the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Douro CV 2015 is a testament to the van Zeller's legacy and the timeless allure of Douro wine.
In Bond€651.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The purple/black-colored 2007 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port exhibits an alluring bouquet of mineral, pencil lead, espresso, violets, black currant, and fruitcake. Dense and structured on the palate, it has an excellent integration of alcohol, acidity, and tannin. It should be one of the longer lived wines of the vintage with 12-15+ years of aging potential and a drinking window extending through 2037.In Bond€308.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Very complex with dried flowers and roses. Full-bodied, very layered and tightly wound. Chewy and powerful. Firm and off-dry. Needs five or six years to soften. Beauty. Try in 2024.In Bond€431.00
