TN: 2005 Quinta do Vale Meao Douro red
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 7:38 am
I have for several years regarded 2005 and 2011 as the best vintages of Vale Meao’s top level Douro red. Last two bottles of 2005 were consumed autumn of 2013 and both got 96 pts. Have three left and decided to drink of them this last weekend. It is now 3.5 years since last time and we had hoped that it had stayed at the high level (have been stored all the time in our temperature controlled wine cellar). But unfortunately not, at least for that bottle. It is still a very nice Douro red, but it is a step down from 96 pts to 92 pts. Maybe a not optimal bottle?
Decanted 3.5 hrs. Dark red colour, nearly black. Aroma of oak came first, then Douro-terroir incl the minerals and also some fruit. Full body. Taste is powerful and super elegant, oak, minerals, dry tannins in a nice way. Although nearly black in colour, the berries had actually faded a bit in the taste (slightly confusing!). The wine has a “personality”, but not like before. Long aftertaste. But still a very nice Douro red. 92 pts.
Decanted 3.5 hrs. Dark red colour, nearly black. Aroma of oak came first, then Douro-terroir incl the minerals and also some fruit. Full body. Taste is powerful and super elegant, oak, minerals, dry tannins in a nice way. Although nearly black in colour, the berries had actually faded a bit in the taste (slightly confusing!). The wine has a “personality”, but not like before. Long aftertaste. But still a very nice Douro red. 92 pts.