TN: 2014 Quinta do Ataide Vinha do Arco Touriga Nacional Douro red (Symington)

[Rune EG]

During lunch at Graham’s Vinum restaurant in Gaia end-May 2018, Gustavo Devesas had arranged for us to taste Symington’s very new Douro red from their Quinta do Ataide (Douro Superior). We liked it immediately and after some phone calls we decided to make a special import (through Symington’s Norwegian importer) of 12 bottles. Conclusion after having had two of them at home at two different occasions, is that they are as good at home as they were at Vinum. 2014 is the first vintage of this Douro red. The vines were planted early 1980s, i.e. abt 35 years old. Stored 10 months in French oak barrels and bottled March 2016 (i.e. stored two years in bottle). Produced 12 000 bottles.

Decanted 3 hrs (will try 3.5 hrs next bottle). Dark purple colour. Appealing aroma which appeared both fresh and deep. Not so normal with that combination! Fruity aroma with dark red berries which has a clear influence of soil. Medium to full body. Elegant, powerful, deep minerals (schist) and berries. This is a well-structured Douro red with nice balance acidity/sweetness. In view of the minerals, I think this is a demanding wine. Long aftertaste. Will put six bottles aside for a few years to see how it is developing. 92 pts.

[Andy Velebil]

Love the Reserva version so look forward to trying this one, hopefully soon.


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