Douro
Vale D. Maria 2017
Douro Superior
The nose is fruity and offers a fine power as well as a very fine concentration. It reveals notes of ripe cassis Boysenberry and small notes of wild strawberry associated with a touch of redcurrant acidulous candy, flowers as well as a subtle hint of spices, white pepper, chocolate / toasted and an imperceptible hint of olive tree. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, very discreetly tight and offers an acidulous frame, a very fine salinity (in the background), suavity, roundness as well as a small power. On the palate this wine expresses notes of ripe cassis, ripe blackberry and small notes of ripe wild strawberry associated with touches of crushed redcurrant as well as hints of liquorice, discreet hints of black olive and a subtle hint of chocolate. Tannins are structuring.
Score : 15.5/20 (90-91/100) Vale D. Maria – Vinhas Do Sabor 2017
Douro Superior
The nose is fruity and offers gourmandize, fine richness as well as a fine concentration. It reveals notes of Boysenberry, wild strawberry and small notes of wild raspberry associated with fine touches of Cuben pepper, a subtle hint of cornflowers, local grove as well as a discreet hint of pepper and spices. The palate is well-balanced and offers freshness, minerality, gourmandize, a beautiful guideline, a good definition, suavity, deepness as well as juiciness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of plum, ripe cassis and small notes of juicy / fresh blueberry associated with fine touches of fleshy / juicy raspberry, a subtle hint of violet, tonka bean, nutmeg, cardamom as well as an imperceptible hint of black olive and caramelization. Tannins are elegant and well-built.
Score : 16.25/20 (92-93/100)
Quinta Vale D. Maria 2017
Douro
The nose is racy and offers concentration, power as well as a racy minerality. It reveals notes of blackberry, crushed cassis and small notes of local grove / sense of place associated with small touches of crushed strawberry, crushed redcurrant / cherry as well as a hint of gray pepper, eucalyptus, cornflowers, discreet hints of spices and an imperceptible hint of coffee (in the background). The palate is beautifully gourmand, suave, silky and offers a fine tangy frame, a small richness, tension, juiciness, power as well as a beautiful finesse of fat. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy blackberry, fleshy raspberry and small notes of crushed redcurrants associated with touches of chocolate, blueberry as well as fine hints of caramelization, cedar, violet, a discreet hint of sweet blond tobacco and an imperceptible hint of eucalyptus (in the background). Tannins are well-built and gourmand. Good length and persistence. Fine richness on the finish / persistence.
Score : 16.5+/20 (93-94/100)
Mafalda 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity and offers a small intensity, a small power as well as a good definition. It reveals notes of red berries, ripe cherry and small notes of ripe blackberry associated with a touch of flowers, blueberry as well as slight hints of licorice stick, cardamom and very discreet hints of oleander/ local grove. The palate is fruity, juicy, well-balanced, very discreetly tight and offers a fine acidulous frame, a beautiful juicy / ripe fruit, a small fat, gourmandize, deepness, a fine power as well as a fine straightness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy / ripe black cherry, juicy / ripe blackberry and small notes of juicy / ripe blueberry associated with touches of juicy / ripe wild strawberry, hints of licorice stick, cardamom as well as a discreet hint of sense of the place, spices and an imperceptible hint of coffee (in the background). Tannins are very slightly marked. Good length.
Score : 15.75/20 (91-92/100) Quinta Dona Mafalda – Touriga Nacional 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity, racy and offers power (full of finesse) as well as a fine concentration. It reveals notes of cassis, black plum and small notes of cornflowers associated with fine touches of wild blue berries, Sichuan pepper, black olive as well as an imperceptible hint of nutmeg and tea. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a juicy / acidulous frame, a good definition as well as gourmandize. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of small fleshy / juicy black berries, fleshy / juicy black plum and small notes of cassis associated with a touch of cornflowers, camphor, spices as well as an imperceptible hint of coffee (in background) and olive. Good length.
Score : 16/20 (92/100)
Quinta Dona Mafalda – AB 2018
Douro
The nose is fruity and offers power as well as a fine and slightly tight grain. It reveals notes of blackberry, wild cassis and small notes of violet, black plum associated with touches of wild strawberry, Bigarreau cherry, hints of Cuben pepper, licorice as well as a very discreet hint of mocha and tobacco. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a juicy / slightly acidulous frame, a juicy / fleshy fruit as well as a fine and very discreetly tight grain. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of fleshy / juicy raspberry, fleshy / juicy blackberry and small notes of Bigarreau cherry associated with small touches of liquorice, tobacco as well as a subtle hint of graphite, cornflowers, black olive, cocoa and a very discreet hint of caramel (in the background). Tannins are well-built and structuring.
Score : 15.5/20 (90-91/100) Quinta Dona Mafalda – Vinhas Velhas 2017
Douro
The nose offers power, a fine grain, intensity as well as a fine tension. It reveals notes of cassis, gray pepper and small notes of Bigarreau cherry associated with touches of blackberry, small blue fruits as well as fine hints of cornflowers, spices and a very discreet hint of sense of the place. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a good definition, juiciness, suavity, finesse, a fine acidulous frame, a fine tension, a beautiful definition as well as a small deepness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of black cherry, blackberry and small notes of wild berries associated with a touch of Bigarreau cherry, violet, lilac, a subtle hint of Cuben pepper, licorice stick, spices as well as a very discreet hint of black olive and sense of place. Tannins are elegant and well-built. Good length. Presence of an imperceptible hint of caramelization / toasted almond on the aftertaste / persistence.
Score : 16.25+/20 (93/100)
Manoella 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity and offers gourmandize, a good definition as well as a small power. It reveals notes of blackberry, wild cassis and small notes of wild strawberry associated with small touches of crushed redcurrants, hints of gray pepper as well as a subtle hint of tobacco and local grove. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a juicy / acidulous frame, a good definition, suavity, gourmandize, a fine grain, a fine freshness as well as a small fat. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy / juicy cassis, fresh / juicy blackberry and small notes of violet associated with touches of small wild berries, wild strawberry as well as very discreet hints of black olive, zan, tea, with a subtle hint of spice and local grove. Tannins are well-built. Good length. Fine power on the finish.
Score : 15.25+/20 (90-91/100) Ramos Pinto, Duas Quintas – Reserva 2016
Douro
The nose is fruity, powerful and offers intensity as well as a beautiful finesse of the grain. It reveals notes of crushed blackberry, crushed raspberry and small notes of crushed blueberry associated with touches of vanilla, caramelization, cherry jam as well as a discreet hint of pepper. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, racy, well-framed and offers a juicy / slightly acidulous frame, precision, tension, a beautiful definition, a small freshness, a beautiful grain as well as straightness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy blackberry, fleshy cassis and small notes of blueberry associated with touches of violet, wild red berries, rose as well as fine hints of gray pepper, sense of space, very discreet hints of cocoa and sweet blond tobacco. Tannins are well-built and structuring. Good length. Small power on the finish / persistence.
Score : 16+/20 (92-93/100)
Oscar’s Quevedo 2018
Douro
The nose is fruity and offers a fine freshness, concentration as well as a fine power. It reveals notes of wild cassis, wild plum and small notes of blackberry associated with touches of small black berries, wild raspberry, hints of gray pepper as well as a hint of spices, violet and local grove. The mouth is fruity, mineral and offers freshness, a linear side as well as a fine acidulous frame. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of fleshy / juicy red cherry, fresh blackberry and small notes of fresh / juicy plum associated with small touches of crushed cassis, slight hints of fresh raspberry, fresh flowers as well as a hint of tonka bean, toasted and nutmeg
Score : 14.5/20 (88/100)
Claudia’s Quevedo 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity, relatively aromatic and offers freshness as well as minerality. It reveals notes of black plum, blackberry and small blue berries associated with touches of cornflowers as well as slight hints of graphite, sweet spices and eucalyptus. The palate is fruity, wellbalanced and offers juiciness, minerality, fine freshness, tension as well as fine concentration. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy / juicy blackberry, juicy / crunchy wild black berries and small notes of licorice stick associated with small touches of graphite, Bigar
reau cherry as well as fine hints of cocoa, violet / lily and discreet hints of olive tree / black olive. Tannins are very slightly marked.
Score : 14.75/20 (88-89/100) Quinta do Cabril – Grande Reserva 2017
Douro
The nose is elegant and quite aromatic. It reveals notes of crushed redcurrant, Gariguette strawberry and small notes of blueberry / blue berries associated with fine touches of lilac, Boysenberry, vanilla, a hint of nutmeg, caramelization, almond as well as a discreet hint of eucalyptus and spices. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, very discreetly tight and offers a juicy / mineral frame, gourmandize, a fine tension as well as a small linear side. On the palate this wine expresses notes of Gariguette strawberry, Boysenberry and small notes of blueberry associated with a touch of cassis, cornflowers, fleshy redcurrants as well as a subtle hint of vanilla, woody and nutmeg. Tannins are structuring and offer straightness.
Score : 15.25/20 (90/100) Quinta do Couquinho – Reserva 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity. It reveals notes of strawberry, blackberry and milk chocolate associated with small touches of raspberry, caramelization as well as a hint of blueberry and sweet spices / caramelization. It needs to be put in carafe. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, a bit tight and offers a juicy / slightly acidulous frame, tension, freshness, minerality as well as concentration. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy blackberry, juicy strawberry and small notes of vanilla, toasted associated with small touches of fleshy / juicy blueberry, caramelization and a slight hint of chocolate. Tannins are slightly marked. Power on the finish / persistence.
Score : 14.75+/20 (89/100) Quinta do Couquinho – Touriga Nacional 2017, Riserva
Douro
The nose is fruity and offers concentration as well as a fine freshness. It reveals notes of small black berries, cassis and small notes of black plum associated with touches of camphor, black pepper, licorice as well as a hint of black tea and black olive. It needs to be put in carafe. The mouth is fruity, juicy and offers tension, concentration, power, precision, straightness as well as an acidulous frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of black cherry, small black berries and small notes of cassis associated with touches of black plum, camphor, liquorice, black tea as well as a subtle hint of almond and toasted. Tannins are structuring.
Score : 15.25+/20 (90-91/100)
Ritmus – Tinta Barroca 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity and offers a small power, a fine freshness (in the background), a fine complexity as well as a small tension. It reveals notes of fresh Boysenberry, fresh raspberry and small notes of fresh strawberry associated with small touches of wild small blue fruits as well as a hint of rosemary / olive tree and a very discreet hint of Timut pepper. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, a bit tight and offers a juicy / finely acidulous frame, fine tension, straightness, freshness, juiciness as well as minerality. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy / juicy red cherry, fleshy / juicy strawberry and small notes of blueberry associated with a touch of crushed red berries, a hint of rose, rosemary as well as very discreet hints gray pepper and tea. Tannins are very discreetly marked.
Score : 15.25/20 (90/100)
Ritmus – Touriga Nacional 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity and offers a fleshy fruit as well as a fine intensity. The wine needs to be put in carafe. It reveals notes of fleshy blackberry, fleshy raspberry and small notes of redcurrants associated with hints of cornflowers, black pepper as well as slight hints of spices. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a juicy / acidulous frame, tension, silky, a certain finesse, freshness, a slightly tight structure as well as a beautiful crunchy / acidulous fruit. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy / acidulous blackberry, juicy / acidulous plum and small notes of redcurrants associated with a touch of cornflowers, nutmeg, black pepper as well as a very discreet hint of black olive. Tannins are well-built and offer a small straightness.
Score : 15+/20 (89-90/100)
Ritmus – Tinta Roriz 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity, gourmand and offers power as well as concentration. It reveals notes of crushed strawberry, crushed cassis and small notes of violet, licorice associated with a touch of cherry, hints of pepper as well as slight hints of olive and sweet tobacco. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, silky, well-built and offers a juicy / slightly acidulous frame, tension, fine gourmandize, suavity, sapidity, minerality as well as a slightly tight structure. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, fleshy cassis and small notes of crushed strawberry associated with a touch of morello cherry, a hint of violet, red berries, olive tree, dried tobacco as well as a very discreet hint of licorice stick and an imperceptible hint of dark chocolate. Tannins are very discreetly marked.
Score : 14.75/20 (88-89/100)
Pintas Character 2017
Douro
The nose is aromatic and offers a fine richness, a fine grain as well as a very fine power. It reveals notes of blackberry, fleshy raspberry and small notes of strawberry associated with a small touch of fleshy purple plum, hints of nutmeg, almond, vanilla pod as well as a discreet hint of caramelization, almond and an imperceptible hint of coffee. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, very slightly tight and offers minerality, finesse, a good definition, juiciness, tension, a small freshness, suavity as well as dynamism. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy / juicy blackberry, fleshy / juicy raspberry and small notes of cherry associated with touches of violet as well as fine hints of small blue berries, nutmeg, licorice, vanilla pod and a discreet hint of toasted almond / hazelnut. Tannins are well-built. Good length. A very discreet chew on the persistence.
Score : 16+/20 (92-93/100) Quinta do Silval, Dorna Velha – Tinta Roriz 2017
Douro The nose is fruity, aromatic and offers a fine gourmandize / generosity. It reveals notes of blackberry, wild
strawberry and small notes of crushed raspberry, cornflowers associated with small touches of fleshy blueberry, vanilla, sense of place as well as a discreet hint of gray pepper and toasted. The palate is fruity, fresh, mineral, well-balanced and offers precision, gourmandize, elegance, a fine tension, a fine fat, a beautiful acidulous frame, a good freshness, a good definition, dynamism as well as an aerial side. On the palate this wine expresses notes of crunchy raspberry, crunchy wild strawberry and small notes of crunchy cassis associated with fine touches of acidulous plum, hints of sense of the place / local grove, racy minerality as well as a discreet hint of gray pepper (in the background) and very discreet hints of dark chocolate (in the background). Tannins are elegant. Good length.
Score : 16.5/20 (93/100)
Carvalhas – Vinhas Velhas 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity, elegant and offers richness (full of finesse). It reveals notes of fleshy wild blackberry, wild strawberry and blueberries associated with touches of cornflowers, rose, juicy / fleshy plum, hints of pepper, camphor and slight hints of bergamot and spices. The mouth is fruity, elegant, well-balanced, racy and offers a beautiful definition, precision, a very fine creaminess, a fine tension as well as richness (full of finesse). On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy wild blackberry, wild strawberry and small notes of juicy / crunchy blueberries combined with touches of crunchy / juicy raspberries as well as hints of camphor, bergamot, toasted almonds, mocha and very discreet hints of spices. Tannins are fine, structuring, very discreetly tight and racy. Good length.
Score : 16.75+/20 (94/100)
Andreza – Reserva 2017
Douro
The nose is fruity, gourmand and offers elegance, intensity, a very fine richness as well as a tight grain. It reveals notes of blackberry, plum and small notes of violet associated with touches of small black fruits, racy minerality, graphite as well as a hint of gray pepper and a very slight hint of oleander. The palate is juicy, well-balanced and offers freshness, a beautiful fleshy / juicy / fresh fruit, gourmandize, a small pulpy side, finesse, tension, deepness as well as an acidulous / juicy frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy / acidulous plum, juicy / acidulous blackberry and acidulous strawberry associated with touches of acidulous blueberry, hints of liquorice, vanilla as well as slight hints of caramelization, toasted and a very slight hint of oleander.
Score : 16.25/20 (92-93/100) Lua Cheia – Em Vinhas Velhas 2018
Douro
The nose offers power as well as a fine grain. It reveals notes of cassis, plum and small notes of crushed raspberry associated with touches of black pepper, fine touches of local grove as well as a subtle hint of violet and spices. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers juiciness, a fine acidulous frame, tension as well as dynamism. On the palate this wine expresses notes of acidulous redcurrants, acidulous plum and small notes of juicy Boysenberry combined with fine touches of olive tree, local grove as well as a subtle hint of small berries, spices and a very discreet hint of liquorice.
Score : 15/20 (89-90/100)