2017 was the second driest year on record in the Douro and the hottest of the last four decades. For the vegetative cycle of the vine, the accumulated deficit of rainfall, between March and September, was of approximately 50%. The dry, mild winter was followed by an equally dry Spring with temperatures 36ºF above the season average. Despite the lack of rain, the region’s grape varieties responded well, adapting early on to the exceptionally dry conditions that prevailed since the beginning of the year. The advanced vegetative cycle resulted in the earliest harvest ever recorded, beginning in Vesuvio on September 3rd. Fortunately, the heat slowed down during the month (especially night temperatures), a very beneficial situation that was reflected in the excellent quality of the grapes received in the winery.
Reviews
This is by no means jammy or even close to clumsy. It is also beautifully constructed. In fact, I was impressed with its balance and refinement. It always retains finesse and focus. The next day, the fruit was more expressive. It still finished with firmness, but it was much more accessible. This is a beautiful Estate Tinto,
CELLAR SELECTION
This is a grand wine from a grand Douro river estate. Packed with both tannins and serious black fruits, it is textured with minerality and acidity. The power of the wine is immense as is its density, promising considerable aging
This blend of touriga nacional and touriga franca grows at an altitude of 1,475 feet, high up the hill at Vesuvio. Immediately juicy and rich, this shows the full-on ripeness of 2017 in hints of dried fruit. Then it retreats into oak, needing a day or two of air to reveal the schist detail underneath. It’s a tough young wine with tension between the smooth sense of completion and the powerful tannic grip. Built to cellar.
A brooding red with balsamic undertones marking blackberry and plum paste notes infused with espresso and cocoa elements. Hints of mineral and wild herb linger through the tannic finish.