Simon Field | Midnight black, with not much by way of concession at the rim. A beguiling nose of boysenberry, assam, and late-season fig, all served on a bed of black cherry and indulgence. Promising. The promise is hitherto only partially supported by a youthful, somewhat pointillist palate, detail eschewed by the padding of gilded youth. Compote and cherryade, a hint of cola even. This may well open up with time, its youth hardly reason, in this of all wines, to challenge the rigor of its structure or the foundation of its potential. | 91
Andrew Jefford | Dense, dark midnight black, with purple glints and glass-staining legs. Vivid, fresh, and well-organized aromatics founded on a core of blackcurrant and sloe, with some holly and ivy freshness; sweet ground pepper, too. Very attractive and accessible already. Mouth-filling and deep on the palate, and packed with very sweet fruit. There is no acid balance to speak of, nor the fresher fruit flavors that the aromas intimated we might find, but the volume and wealth are very impressive, as are the tannins. There are some vegetal sappy notes that bring a qualified freshness of their own, too. | 90
Richard Mayson | Open, fragrant and floral, with a green leafy edge to the nose. Attractive mid-weight berry fruit, with firm, peppery tannins leading to a long, spicy linear finish that has a touch of hedgerow. Mid-weight middle distance. | 87
Details
Wine expert | Andrew Jefford Richard Mayson Simon Field |
Tastings year | 2021 |
Region | Douro Valley |
% Alcohol By Volume | 20 |