TN: 2004 Quinta do Crasto Old Vine Reserva

[Andy Velebil]

Needed a little Douro wine after work today and since I missed the Madeira tasting yesterday (also due to work).

This just keeps getting a little better with age. Dark cherries, still tanninic, great acidity, saddle leather, earth, a touch of chocolate and red currants on the back palate, and a moderately long finish. This does however need at least one hour to start to show its best, a bit tight before that. 92+ points
04/04/08

[Jay P]

Both the 2004 and 2003 Reserva Old Vines are currently available at K & L wines in the bay area in 375 mL for ~19-20 $US. A cheap and easy introduction to the Crasto wines. I prefer the 2004, and have a case of 750's, but bought 6 each of the 375s....I often work late these days, and sometimes a 375 mL with whatever Carolyn has left for me to eat sits pretty nice.

I recently bought a case of the 2005 "old Vines", and am still looking for the 2005 Touriga Nacional...is that released yet? Anybody know? Thanks!

Jay

[Andy Velebil]

Jay, the '05 is not out yet to my knowledge. Tell Carolyn I said hi and hopefully we can meet up again soon.

[Ronald Wortel]

Both the 2004 and 2003 Reserva Old Vines are currently available at K & L wines in the bay area in 375 mL for ~19-20 $US. A cheap and easy introduction to the Crasto wines.

Ouch. I am always surprised by the high prices of Crasto in the US. In the Netherlands, the Reserva is always around 18 euro for 750ml. Maybe it has gotten more expensive with the latest vintage, but still not what you have to pay for it.

[Jay Powers]

I think I paid US $34 for my 750's. Given the current exchange rate, thats actually not so far off for once.

Jay

[Jay Powers]

I found some of the '05 Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional, at Brown Derby, so it has been released.

Jay

[Roy Hersh]

Yes, the Quinta do Crasto 2005s have definitely been released. I tried them in early March while up in Vancouver. I know the importer in the USA has spread them around the USA too, very thin indeed.

The 2004 is fantastic and is just going to keep getting better for years to come.

[Andy Velebil]

Yes, I was lucky enough to lay my hands on some of the 2005 TN and 2005 Maria Teressa this week..i am a happy man

[Andy Velebil]

I had a 1/2 bottle of this (2004 Quinta do Crasto Old Vine Reserva) again tonight. This one was a bit lean and showing some green steminess on the palate and was a little thinner than past bottles. It wasn't corked but not a spot on bottle. I've had enough of this to know what it should show like and this bottle was definitely not firing on all cylinders. Good thing I got plenty more

[Moses Botbol]

Jay, the '05 is not out yet to my knowledge. Tell Carolyn I said hi and hopefully we can meet up again soon.

Here's a picture of the 2005

[Moses Botbol]

Jay, the '05 is not out yet to my knowledge. Tell Carolyn I said hi and hopefully we can meet up again soon.

Here's a picture of the 2005

Wine Spectator gave it a 95

Deeply colored, with intense yet refined aromas and flavors of kirsch, boysenberry, dark cherry and spice. The fruit is supported by focused notes of mineral and graphite, and the finish is loaded with dark chocolate and medium tannins. Drink now through 2015. 1,500 cases imported.

[Andy Velebil]

moses,
Where is your tasting note on those?

[Moses Botbol]

moses,
Where is your tasting note on those?

I was going to put them (2 bottles of QdC '05) into the cellar. I was planning on a 2012 or so to drink; you're invited... :hello:

I was going to open a bottle the next time a Frenchman wins the Tour, but it'll turn to vinegar before that happens...

[Andy Velebil]

I was going to open a bottle the next time a Frenchman wins the Tour, but it'll turn to vinegar before that happens...

You mean to say that the contents of the bottle will have evaporated by that time