This is a fairly cheap and very cheerful wine from the Symington group, who you might know as the makers of ports like Dows, Smith Woodhouse and Warres. A blend of Tinta Roriz (60%) and Touriga Franca (40%) from the hot 2003 vintage. As far as I can find out, there is no oak treatment here, and to be honest I don’t miss it at all.
Classic shisty nose of smoky, earthy and rocky fruit: a mix of red cherry, plum and blueberry. It’s gungho with plenty of ripe fruit and chewy tannins. More about a rollicking good time than brain busting thought. The palate shows sunny, but savoury fruit, plums and cherries, wild sage, hot river stones and musk sticks. This value here is outstanding, perfect autumn/winter drinking on a budget. 87 Pts.
Source: Negociants Australia RRP: $17 Closure: Conventional Cork
Web: www.symington.com
wow! as you point out, 2003 was very hot, thus, some of those wines resulted full of over-mature fruit, lacking that vivacity that comes along with freshness. some of the 2003 douro’s - specially the simplest ones, like this altano - aren’t aging well, so it’s pretty impressive to see this faring so well! will try to find it, but guess it won’t be easy. ah, just to finish, this wine is sold here in portugal for less than 3€!
Less than 3 Euros! That is insane. I’ve had a look at a couple of wines from 2003 and you are right, some are just falling over. Also that cooked fruit flavour is not so great. However this is very good at the moment.