Douro
Douro
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Douro | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,809.62 |
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James Suckling (99)Extremely deep red with aromas and flavors that change all the time with blackberry, black raspberry, black licorice, floral and asphalt. Full-bodied with deep intensity, power and finesse. The tannins are wonderfully polished yet so much there. This is a tribute to the first great Barca Velhas of the 1960s. Drinkable, but better in three or four years. |
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Douro | 1 | 20 (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£1,816.82 |
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Matthew Jukes (20)Every so often, well, to be precise, this is the 21st occasion in 72 years a mind-blowing red wine is released in Portugal. It is no understatement to say that Barca-Velha is a legendary creation. The 2015 vintage will arrive in the UK a couple of days after this piece is published, so you are the first to hear about its greatness. I have been fortunate to taste a number of older Barca-Velha vintages, and they age more gracefully than most top-flight red Bordeaux. Only the other day, I tasted a 1982 that was fresh, supremely complex and mind-bendingly delicious. So, on the brink of the release of the 2015 vintage, I was fortunate to taste it with the President of Sogrape (owners of Casa Ferreirinha) and winemaker Luís Sottomayor, who has worked at this illustrious estate since 1989. And what a wine! Luís explained that the conditions of the 2015 growing season were wholly responsible for this wine’s extraordinary potential. A relatively dry and warm winter and spring led to an early veraison, and then August was cooler with crisp nights, and a couple of showers refreshed the vines in September. These are the conditions that give rise to epic-quality fruit. With the depth and gravitas of the amazing 2011 vintage and the definition and freshness of the 2008, this 2015 combines all the finest attributes of my favourite Barca-Velha wines, resulting in a creation of uncommon purity, depth, and beauty. While a quiet renaissance has been happening at Ferreirinha for a decade or more, the story seems complete, with 2015 Barca-Velha gaining a perfect 20/20 score in my notes. Yes, this is the finest Portuguese red wine I have ever tasted. |
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Douro | 1 | 18+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£283.24 |
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Matthew Jukes (18+)Because this trio of wines runs in a neat sequence, I made one consecutive note to cover all three vintages – a direct comparative tasting note, if you will. 2016 is my preferred wine – it is the grandest, and it has the most potential. It is one of the finest value, elite reds I have tasted in a very long time. The 2017 is more refined, the most forward, most restaurant friendly and most open. It is lighter, more herbal, and it will get you in the mood while the others have a chance to mellow. I will hold back on any more notes on this wine because it is my MoneyWeek wine of the week this Friday! Finally, the 2018, which is a beauty. More flamboyant, more plush and sensual, and it is not dissimilar to the 2016 in fruit expression, but it is not quite as powerful or as impactful. Either way, you need all three in your collection because if you like each of these wines for their respective character traits, I can imagine you will follow this label for the rest of your days. |
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Douro | 2 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£319.24 |
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James Suckling (96)Fantastic aromas of blackberries and blueberries with tar and minerals. Medium-to full-bodied, with very firm and fine tannins that tighten the wine and make it compacted and impressive. A retro feel to this wine that reminds me of the great Barca Velhas of the 1960s. Better after 2027. |
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Douro | 1 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£273.64 |
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James Suckling (96)Fantastic aromas of blackberries and blueberries with tar and minerals. Medium-to full-bodied, with very firm and fine tannins that tighten the wine and make it compacted and impressive. A retro feel to this wine that reminds me of the great Barca Velhas of the 1960s. Better after 2027. |
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Douro | 3 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£634.87 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)This is a stunningly serious wine with extraordinary class and detail. I wrote ‘utterly gobsmacking’ in my notebook – not words I often use. There is phenomenal balance, a stunning mid-palate, and epic length here, and this makes 2020 Leda the finest value £50 red wine on earth, not least if you want to drink a bottle now or in 30 years! |
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Douro | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£271.24 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)This is a stunningly serious wine with extraordinary class and detail. I wrote ‘utterly gobsmacking’ in my notebook – not words I often use. There is phenomenal balance, a stunning mid-palate, and epic length here, and this makes 2020 Leda the finest value £50 red wine on earth, not least if you want to drink a bottle now or in 30 years! |
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Douro | 5 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£793.22 |
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James Suckling (98)Dark fruit with black cherries, blackcurrants, mineral, and slate undertones. Medium to full body. Racy fine tannins. It’s chewy and driven. This is an undeclared Barca Velha. Superb Douro red. Latour of the Douro. A blend of 42% touriga franca, 34% touriga nacional, 13% tinta roriz, and 11% tinto cao. Drink after 2025. |
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Douro | 18 | - |
Inc. VAT
£3,301.49 |
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The Douro Boys Cuvee 2021 is an exquisite blend made by the Douro Boys, an alliance of five revered winemaking families from the Douro valley in Portugal. Showcasing the potent allure of indigenous grape varieties, the wine displays dark fruit intensity, underscored by leather and tobacco notes, balanced delicately with fresh acidity. Every component of tis blend has been meticulously selected from the finest vineyard plots, each contributing unique aromatic and flavour profiles. The result is an elegant harmony expressing the true essence of the Douro valley. The careful maturation process means it can be enjoyed now or cellared for further complexity. A testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the Douro Boys, this cuvee pays homage to the remarkable terroir of their homeland. Douro Boys Cuvee 2021 captures the spirit of the Douro, creating a wine of exceptional quality that embodies the traditional values of artful winemaking. |
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Porto | 4 | - |
Inc. VAT
£2,837.46 |
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Experience the pinnacle of fine winemaking with the Last Drop Colheita Centenario Duo Of Very Old Aged Tawny Port 1870 & 1970 NV. This exquisite selection, painstakingly crafted, represents a timeless compilation from two distinguished Port harvests. Foremost, the 1870 peace vintage, imbued with an unparalleled depth and complexity, fuses elegantly with the vibrant and spirited 1970 blend. Skillfully matured in a centuries-old cellar in Portugal, the wines express rich encapsulations of the Douro Valley's quintessential terroir. Internationally acclaimed wine creator, The Last Drop, champions this doubly remarkable release. They excel in their hunt for exceptional spirits and wines, consistently pushing boundaries by unearthing and bottling the world's most extraordinary and rarest beverages. The Last Drop Colheita Centenario Duo Of Very Old Aged Tawny Port 1870 & 1970 NV signifies their ode to the artistry of winemaking, offering a rare pact between the old and the new, seducing connoisseurs and collectors alike. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£431.09 |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£559.94 |
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Douro | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£574.82 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2021 Coche has to be one of the finest white wines from Portugal that I've tasted. It was produced with grapes grown at 600 meters in altitude, from very old vineyards with the right field blend with a majority of Rabigato but also other local varieties. It has a fine and elegant reductive character with flinty notes, hints of smoke and dry herbs. This is sharp and super tasty, with an almost salty twist in the finish. It fermented and matured in French oak barrels (mostly 228-liter ones) for one year. It's serious, nuanced, a little austere and vertical, with a dry finish, a chalky sensation and very good persistence. It has 11.8% alcohol, a pH of 3.26 and 5.8 grams of acidity. I've drunk all the vintages of Coche since the first year (2010), and this is the finest to date. Bravo. 9,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£297.14 |
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Douro | 8 | - |
Inc. VAT
£202.34 |
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Douro | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£277.49 |
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Douro | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£260.69 |
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Douro | 1 | 98 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£297.64 |
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Decanter (98)A field blend featuring Arinto, Rabigato, Códega de Larinho, Viosinho and others, from vines at least 80 years old planted on schist at 600m in the Douro DOC. It was made (and the grapes were picked) to prioritise freshness, structure and minerality. A pioneer of Douro whites since the mid-nineties, Niepoort’s trademark precision and finesse shines, even in this century’s driest vintage. Sarah Ahmed: Toasty/charry oak and lime oil to nose and palate. Zesty, nutty with leesy complexity and hazelnutty oak. Showing lots of layers already. Nelson Guerreiro: Stone fruit, apple and pear nose with spice and a hint of vanilla. Medium bodied with a waxy side, balanced with a pleasant finish. Joanna Locke MW: Poised, with a strong seam of minerality and mouthwatering acidity. A smart wine with great potential. |
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Douro | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£1,800.04 |
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Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 is an exemplary reflection of the Douro Valley. This partnership of the Symington family, known for their remarkable holdings in the northern Portuguese river valley, and Bruno Prats, former owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel, has resulted in an opulent, deep-hued wine precision-crafted from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes. Rich fragrance of violets and fresh blackberries emanate from this wine, unveiling robust tannins and a nuanced finish that solidifies the 2011 vintage's reputation for exceptional longevity. The medieval-like steep terraces of carefully chosen vineyards yield limited quantities, adding to this wine's exclusivity. Precision winemaking techniques like foot treading in temperature-controlled granite lagares ensure a harmonious interplay of power and finesse. Resting in French oak barrels for 15 months, Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 boasts a complexity akin to Bordeaux-style essence, yet indelibly Portuguese, making it a treasure for serious collectors and oenophiles alike. |
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Douro | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. VAT
£582.04 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)The first words I wrote in my tasting book were, ‘best Chryseia to date’. This is an incredible wine with so much character and accuracy it is impressive. I have visited this property and felt the aura emanating from these historic vineyards. This wine manages to bottle these mysterious elements allowing them to embed themselves into the intense, majestic and deeply fruited body of the two Touriga grapes. While this will be a long-lived wine, there is no doubt that it will appeal to impatient palates, too, given its tremendous and immediate appeal. I feel that this famous wine label is finally showing its full potential, and it has joined the pantheon of truly great red wine styles of the world in the 2018 vintage. |
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Douro | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£766.18 |
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Douro | 4 | 97 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£868.87 |
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Wine Spectator (97)A suave, sophisticated red, offering complexity and length in a finely meshed frame. A core of ripe black plum and mulberry fruit flavors is integrated with refined tannins, with appealing accents of violet, thyme, mocha, mineral and star anise that linger on the well-tailored finish. Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Drink now through 2041. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 3,300 cases made, 240 cases imported. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£745.22 |
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Hailing from the historic vineyards of Quinta do Crasto in Portugal's revered Douro Valley, Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 delivers an exquisite taste of profound depth and complexity. Created with meticulous care, it is a result of hand-picked harvest from 100-year-old vines and intense maturation in French oak barrels. The result is a wine that brims with an intricate, enchanting fruit profile. Tantalising notes of fresh blackberries, and expressive floral undertones blend harmoniously, promising an elegant, full-bodied taste. Exemplifying Quinta do Crasto's dedication to quality and tradition, the Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence, as one of Portugal’s most esteemed vineyards. With over a century of winemaking heritage, this wine is a captivating embodiment of Douro's bold, sunlit terroir. Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 truly captures the essence of Portuguese viniculture, offering connoisseurs an unforgettable journey into Douro Valley's rich wine legacy. |
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Douro | 4 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£219.62 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2018 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on which of two plots, in 90% new oak. It comes in at just 14.6% alcohol. More flavorful and aromatic than its sibling, the Touriga Franca, this is otherwise along the same lines. This Touriga Nacional maintains the Franca's mid-palate finesse, as well as the feeling it projects that it is the crushed essence of the grape. There's a little oak present, but not as much as you might think. This, too, will absorb the oak even better with a couple of years in the cellar, but the wood is very well handled. It is not really intrusive even now, and there is no "drenched in vanilla" demeanor at all. The tannins are very ripe, but with aeration this becomes much firmer on the finish, proving that it has the structure to age. Of all of Crasto's upper-level wines this report, it is probably this that most leans to hedonism, thanks to the aromatics and flavor, yet it is still very elegant and carefully crafted. It is never a sloppy fruit bomb. This succulent and enticing Touriga Nacional is impossible to resist, even today, but you will definitely be rewarded if you give it a few years of age to become more expressive. There were just 9,113 bottles produced, plus some larger format bottles. |
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Douro | 1 | 96 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£409.24 |
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Decanter (96)Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva! |
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Douro | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£626.44 |
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Douro | 15 | - |
Inc. VAT
£456.29 |
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Vale Dona Maria Vinha Francisca 2015 is an exquisite example of Duoro red wines, a captivating blend of tradition and innovation by the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Winery, a distinguished Portuguese producer. Crafted from a blend of indigenous Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional by the oenologist Cristiano Van Zeller, this vintage exudes a distinctive character and unparalleled complexity. Located in the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the vineyards are set on terraces, presenting the grapes with a microclimate that enhances their flavour profile. After handpicking operations at the ideal maturity, the grapes underwent a meticulous vinification process, including fermentation in traditional lagares and ageing in French oak for over a year. Vale Dona Maria Vinha Francisca 2015 greets the palate with vibrant, balanced flavours of dark fruits intermingled with subtle oak nuances. This full-bodied vintage truly represents its terroir, possessing an extraordinary ageing potential. A splendid choice for the discerning wine collector. |
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Porto | 5 | 87 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£125.14 |
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Wine Advocate (87)This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The 1970 remains rather unyielding but still impressive. |
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Porto | 1 | 86 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,080.00 |
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Wine Advocate (86)This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The1975 is soft, supple and clearly mature. |
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Porto | 7 | 18.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£698.76 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)Deep blackish purple. Lovely lift and savour. Slight hint of sawdust on extremely luscious fruit then some fine tannins. Pretty interesting, if non-classic wine. A real flatterer. Long but with great interest. Dry finish. |
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Douro | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,500.00 |
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James Suckling (99)Extremely deep red with aromas and flavors that change all the time with blackberry, black raspberry, black licorice, floral and asphalt. Full-bodied with deep intensity, power and finesse. The tannins are wonderfully polished yet so much there. This is a tribute to the first great Barca Velhas of the 1960s. Drinkable, but better in three or four years. |
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Douro | 1 | 20 (MJ) |
In Bond
£1,506.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (20)Every so often, well, to be precise, this is the 21st occasion in 72 years a mind-blowing red wine is released in Portugal. It is no understatement to say that Barca-Velha is a legendary creation. The 2015 vintage will arrive in the UK a couple of days after this piece is published, so you are the first to hear about its greatness. I have been fortunate to taste a number of older Barca-Velha vintages, and they age more gracefully than most top-flight red Bordeaux. Only the other day, I tasted a 1982 that was fresh, supremely complex and mind-bendingly delicious. So, on the brink of the release of the 2015 vintage, I was fortunate to taste it with the President of Sogrape (owners of Casa Ferreirinha) and winemaker Luís Sottomayor, who has worked at this illustrious estate since 1989. And what a wine! Luís explained that the conditions of the 2015 growing season were wholly responsible for this wine’s extraordinary potential. A relatively dry and warm winter and spring led to an early veraison, and then August was cooler with crisp nights, and a couple of showers refreshed the vines in September. These are the conditions that give rise to epic-quality fruit. With the depth and gravitas of the amazing 2011 vintage and the definition and freshness of the 2008, this 2015 combines all the finest attributes of my favourite Barca-Velha wines, resulting in a creation of uncommon purity, depth, and beauty. While a quiet renaissance has been happening at Ferreirinha for a decade or more, the story seems complete, with 2015 Barca-Velha gaining a perfect 20/20 score in my notes. Yes, this is the finest Portuguese red wine I have ever tasted. |
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Douro | 1 | 18+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£220.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (18+)Because this trio of wines runs in a neat sequence, I made one consecutive note to cover all three vintages – a direct comparative tasting note, if you will. 2016 is my preferred wine – it is the grandest, and it has the most potential. It is one of the finest value, elite reds I have tasted in a very long time. The 2017 is more refined, the most forward, most restaurant friendly and most open. It is lighter, more herbal, and it will get you in the mood while the others have a chance to mellow. I will hold back on any more notes on this wine because it is my MoneyWeek wine of the week this Friday! Finally, the 2018, which is a beauty. More flamboyant, more plush and sensual, and it is not dissimilar to the 2016 in fruit expression, but it is not quite as powerful or as impactful. Either way, you need all three in your collection because if you like each of these wines for their respective character traits, I can imagine you will follow this label for the rest of your days. |
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Douro | 2 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
£250.00 |
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James Suckling (96)Fantastic aromas of blackberries and blueberries with tar and minerals. Medium-to full-bodied, with very firm and fine tannins that tighten the wine and make it compacted and impressive. A retro feel to this wine that reminds me of the great Barca Velhas of the 1960s. Better after 2027. |
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Douro | 1 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
£212.00 |
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James Suckling (96)Fantastic aromas of blackberries and blueberries with tar and minerals. Medium-to full-bodied, with very firm and fine tannins that tighten the wine and make it compacted and impressive. A retro feel to this wine that reminds me of the great Barca Velhas of the 1960s. Better after 2027. |
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Douro | 3 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£497.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)This is a stunningly serious wine with extraordinary class and detail. I wrote ‘utterly gobsmacking’ in my notebook – not words I often use. There is phenomenal balance, a stunning mid-palate, and epic length here, and this makes 2020 Leda the finest value £50 red wine on earth, not least if you want to drink a bottle now or in 30 years! |
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Douro | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£210.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)This is a stunningly serious wine with extraordinary class and detail. I wrote ‘utterly gobsmacking’ in my notebook – not words I often use. There is phenomenal balance, a stunning mid-palate, and epic length here, and this makes 2020 Leda the finest value £50 red wine on earth, not least if you want to drink a bottle now or in 30 years! |
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Douro | 5 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£653.00 |
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James Suckling (98)Dark fruit with black cherries, blackcurrants, mineral, and slate undertones. Medium to full body. Racy fine tannins. It’s chewy and driven. This is an undeclared Barca Velha. Superb Douro red. Latour of the Douro. A blend of 42% touriga franca, 34% touriga nacional, 13% tinta roriz, and 11% tinto cao. Drink after 2025. |
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Douro | 18 | - |
In Bond
£2,732.00 |
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The Douro Boys Cuvee 2021 is an exquisite blend made by the Douro Boys, an alliance of five revered winemaking families from the Douro valley in Portugal. Showcasing the potent allure of indigenous grape varieties, the wine displays dark fruit intensity, underscored by leather and tobacco notes, balanced delicately with fresh acidity. Every component of tis blend has been meticulously selected from the finest vineyard plots, each contributing unique aromatic and flavour profiles. The result is an elegant harmony expressing the true essence of the Douro valley. The careful maturation process means it can be enjoyed now or cellared for further complexity. A testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the Douro Boys, this cuvee pays homage to the remarkable terroir of their homeland. Douro Boys Cuvee 2021 captures the spirit of the Douro, creating a wine of exceptional quality that embodies the traditional values of artful winemaking. |
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Porto | 4 | - |
In Bond
£2,356.00 |
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Experience the pinnacle of fine winemaking with the Last Drop Colheita Centenario Duo Of Very Old Aged Tawny Port 1870 & 1970 NV. This exquisite selection, painstakingly crafted, represents a timeless compilation from two distinguished Port harvests. Foremost, the 1870 peace vintage, imbued with an unparalleled depth and complexity, fuses elegantly with the vibrant and spirited 1970 blend. Skillfully matured in a centuries-old cellar in Portugal, the wines express rich encapsulations of the Douro Valley's quintessential terroir. Internationally acclaimed wine creator, The Last Drop, champions this doubly remarkable release. They excel in their hunt for exceptional spirits and wines, consistently pushing boundaries by unearthing and bottling the world's most extraordinary and rarest beverages. The Last Drop Colheita Centenario Duo Of Very Old Aged Tawny Port 1870 & 1970 NV signifies their ode to the artistry of winemaking, offering a rare pact between the old and the new, seducing connoisseurs and collectors alike. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
In Bond
£340.00 |
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Douro | 1 | - |
In Bond
£457.00 |
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Douro | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£471.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2021 Coche has to be one of the finest white wines from Portugal that I've tasted. It was produced with grapes grown at 600 meters in altitude, from very old vineyards with the right field blend with a majority of Rabigato but also other local varieties. It has a fine and elegant reductive character with flinty notes, hints of smoke and dry herbs. This is sharp and super tasty, with an almost salty twist in the finish. It fermented and matured in French oak barrels (mostly 228-liter ones) for one year. It's serious, nuanced, a little austere and vertical, with a dry finish, a chalky sensation and very good persistence. It has 11.8% alcohol, a pH of 3.26 and 5.8 grams of acidity. I've drunk all the vintages of Coche since the first year (2010), and this is the finest to date. Bravo. 9,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
In Bond
£238.00 |
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Douro | 8 | - |
In Bond
£159.00 |
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Douro | 2 | - |
In Bond
£212.00 |
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Douro | 3 | - |
In Bond
£198.00 |
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Douro | 1 | 98 (DC) |
In Bond
£232.00 |
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Decanter (98)A field blend featuring Arinto, Rabigato, Códega de Larinho, Viosinho and others, from vines at least 80 years old planted on schist at 600m in the Douro DOC. It was made (and the grapes were picked) to prioritise freshness, structure and minerality. A pioneer of Douro whites since the mid-nineties, Niepoort’s trademark precision and finesse shines, even in this century’s driest vintage. Sarah Ahmed: Toasty/charry oak and lime oil to nose and palate. Zesty, nutty with leesy complexity and hazelnutty oak. Showing lots of layers already. Nelson Guerreiro: Stone fruit, apple and pear nose with spice and a hint of vanilla. Medium bodied with a waxy side, balanced with a pleasant finish. Joanna Locke MW: Poised, with a strong seam of minerality and mouthwatering acidity. A smart wine with great potential. |
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Douro | 3 | - |
In Bond
£1,484.00 |
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Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 is an exemplary reflection of the Douro Valley. This partnership of the Symington family, known for their remarkable holdings in the northern Portuguese river valley, and Bruno Prats, former owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel, has resulted in an opulent, deep-hued wine precision-crafted from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes. Rich fragrance of violets and fresh blackberries emanate from this wine, unveiling robust tannins and a nuanced finish that solidifies the 2011 vintage's reputation for exceptional longevity. The medieval-like steep terraces of carefully chosen vineyards yield limited quantities, adding to this wine's exclusivity. Precision winemaking techniques like foot treading in temperature-controlled granite lagares ensure a harmonious interplay of power and finesse. Resting in French oak barrels for 15 months, Prats & Symington Chryseia 2011 boasts a complexity akin to Bordeaux-style essence, yet indelibly Portuguese, making it a treasure for serious collectors and oenophiles alike. |
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Douro | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
£469.00 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)The first words I wrote in my tasting book were, ‘best Chryseia to date’. This is an incredible wine with so much character and accuracy it is impressive. I have visited this property and felt the aura emanating from these historic vineyards. This wine manages to bottle these mysterious elements allowing them to embed themselves into the intense, majestic and deeply fruited body of the two Touriga grapes. While this will be a long-lived wine, there is no doubt that it will appeal to impatient palates, too, given its tremendous and immediate appeal. I feel that this famous wine label is finally showing its full potential, and it has joined the pantheon of truly great red wine styles of the world in the 2018 vintage. |
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Douro | 3 | - |
In Bond
£600.00 |
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Douro | 4 | 97 (WS) |
In Bond
£692.00 |
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Wine Spectator (97)A suave, sophisticated red, offering complexity and length in a finely meshed frame. A core of ripe black plum and mulberry fruit flavors is integrated with refined tannins, with appealing accents of violet, thyme, mocha, mineral and star anise that linger on the well-tailored finish. Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Drink now through 2041. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 3,300 cases made, 240 cases imported. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
In Bond
£613.00 |
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Hailing from the historic vineyards of Quinta do Crasto in Portugal's revered Douro Valley, Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 delivers an exquisite taste of profound depth and complexity. Created with meticulous care, it is a result of hand-picked harvest from 100-year-old vines and intense maturation in French oak barrels. The result is a wine that brims with an intricate, enchanting fruit profile. Tantalising notes of fresh blackberries, and expressive floral undertones blend harmoniously, promising an elegant, full-bodied taste. Exemplifying Quinta do Crasto's dedication to quality and tradition, the Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence, as one of Portugal’s most esteemed vineyards. With over a century of winemaking heritage, this wine is a captivating embodiment of Douro's bold, sunlit terroir. Quinta Crasto Douro Vinha Ponte 2018 truly captures the essence of Portuguese viniculture, offering connoisseurs an unforgettable journey into Douro Valley's rich wine legacy. |
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Douro | 4 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£175.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2018 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on which of two plots, in 90% new oak. It comes in at just 14.6% alcohol. More flavorful and aromatic than its sibling, the Touriga Franca, this is otherwise along the same lines. This Touriga Nacional maintains the Franca's mid-palate finesse, as well as the feeling it projects that it is the crushed essence of the grape. There's a little oak present, but not as much as you might think. This, too, will absorb the oak even better with a couple of years in the cellar, but the wood is very well handled. It is not really intrusive even now, and there is no "drenched in vanilla" demeanor at all. The tannins are very ripe, but with aeration this becomes much firmer on the finish, proving that it has the structure to age. Of all of Crasto's upper-level wines this report, it is probably this that most leans to hedonism, thanks to the aromatics and flavor, yet it is still very elegant and carefully crafted. It is never a sloppy fruit bomb. This succulent and enticing Touriga Nacional is impossible to resist, even today, but you will definitely be rewarded if you give it a few years of age to become more expressive. There were just 9,113 bottles produced, plus some larger format bottles. |
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Douro | 1 | 96 (DC) |
In Bond
£325.00 |
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Decanter (96)Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva! |
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Douro | 2 | - |
In Bond
£506.00 |
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Douro | 15 | - |
In Bond
£361.00 |
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Vale Dona Maria Vinha Francisca 2015 is an exquisite example of Duoro red wines, a captivating blend of tradition and innovation by the Quinta Vale Dona Maria Winery, a distinguished Portuguese producer. Crafted from a blend of indigenous Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional by the oenologist Cristiano Van Zeller, this vintage exudes a distinctive character and unparalleled complexity. Located in the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the vineyards are set on terraces, presenting the grapes with a microclimate that enhances their flavour profile. After handpicking operations at the ideal maturity, the grapes underwent a meticulous vinification process, including fermentation in traditional lagares and ageing in French oak for over a year. Vale Dona Maria Vinha Francisca 2015 greets the palate with vibrant, balanced flavours of dark fruits intermingled with subtle oak nuances. This full-bodied vintage truly represents its terroir, possessing an extraordinary ageing potential. A splendid choice for the discerning wine collector. |
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Porto | 5 | 87 (WA) |
In Bond
£100.00 |
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Wine Advocate (87)This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The 1970 remains rather unyielding but still impressive. |
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Porto | 1 | 86 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,080.00 |
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Wine Advocate (86)This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The1975 is soft, supple and clearly mature. |
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Porto | 7 | 18.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£531.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)Deep blackish purple. Lovely lift and savour. Slight hint of sawdust on extremely luscious fruit then some fine tannins. Pretty interesting, if non-classic wine. A real flatterer. Long but with great interest. Dry finish. |
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