Douro

Quinta do Vallado 2005

Quinta do Vallado was a grower for the big port houses for many years, but had branched out to produce its own table wines and ports.  A big rejunivation project over the past 10 or so years has seen loads of new plantings and a new winery built on the site.  

This wine is a field blend of Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and National with a dollop of Sousao.  I'm calling most of these wine from the Douro simply: Douro field blends.  It saves typing.  Most of the wine is fermented in stainless steel, with 20% in 1 to 2 year old French oak.

A great douro nose of Sarsaparilla, clove, violets, earth, old fireplace and blackberry.  Savoury and textured in the mouth, well balanced and easy to drink.  After that great nose the palate is a bit lacking, not bad just flat.  A bit of sars, smoke, pepper, red cherry and plums.  If the palate lived up to the nose, this would scoring something in the low 90s, but its worth a look regardless.  88 Pts.

Source: The Spanish Acquisition Price: $35 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.quintadovallado.com