If you have the chance, look for the 2011-vintage of this Vale D Maria Douro red. It is still reasonably priced compared with more famous wines.
Decanted 5 hrs. Longer decanting time than previous bottles were a benefit. Deep dark red colour. Wonderful complex aroma of berries integrated with soil, oak and minerals. Full body. Superelegant, but still with power. The minerals are kind of “floating” on top of the berries. A Douro red that is well-structured and has a very nice acidity/sweetness-balance. Slightly dry towards the end. Long quite complex aftertaste. Nearly one more point, but ended at 95 pts.
TN: 2011 Quinta do Vale D Marie Douro red
Moderators: Glenn E., Roy Hersh, Andy Velebil