Abundant rainfall at the start of the 2015 viticultural year replenished water reserves in the soil, proving crucial due to the dry spring and summer that followed. Some valuable spring rain did arrive when it was most needed with one inch falling on May 4th. This rain was perfectly timed and was very beneficial, helping to sustain the vines through the dry months of June and July. August was relatively cool, which preserved the natural acidity in the berries. Sugar and pH levels were excellent when picking started on September 7th. Showers in mid-September were ideally timed so that the Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca could complete their ripening. Both of these important varieties were in exceptionally good condition when picked.
Reviews
CELLAR SELECTION - Made by the Symington family, a major producer in the Douro, this wine comes from one of the region's legendary estates. With 16 months in wood, the wine has been smoothed and its fruit polished to give an opulent wine with plenty of tannic structure. Rich blackberry flavors have a strongly mineral texture that will allow this wine to age well.
A generous, polished red sporting an array of glazed black cherry, currant and blackberry flavors woven together with licorice, Asian spice and mineral elements. Full, supple tannins hug the floral aromas on the finish.
This is wonderfully elegant, with intensity of flavor and a refined feel. The tannins are very ripe, making this surprisingly approachable even its youth. Develops after an hour or so in the glass; gaining weight and concentration, and is a little tighter on the finish.
Deep purple in color, richly concentrated in fruit, this wine seemed like a Graham’s when we tasted it blind (both are made by Charles Symington). The supple dark-chocolate savor of the tannins and the powerful black-skinned blueberry flavors are, in fact, a bit drier than the Graham’s 2015 Stone Terraces (also recommended), though no less grand.
Lots of berry, dark chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Juicy fruit and a savory finish. Hints of citrus and spice. A blend of touriga nacional and touriga franca with a bit of tinta amarela. Drink or hold.