TN: 1998 Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa Douro

[Andy Velebil]

1998 Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa Douro
I shared this with a friend who also likes Port but hasn’t been too keen on many Douro wines. I figured this may be the one bottle that might persuade him. Then again, I’d never had it either, but I’ve heard great things about this hard to find vintage. I would have never guessed this to an 11 year old wine by the color. Still very dark purple that shows no signs of any aging. I initially decanted this for three hours, and we continued to slowly drink this over three more hours. During that time it continually got better both on the nose and palate. Frank aptly described the nose at one point as “Cherry cobbler” and I would have to agree. It was more reminisce of a young Burgundy with all its rich cherries. What I wasn’t expecting was how youthful this still was on the palate. Still tannic yet the young cherries and leather continued to become more and more expressive with time as they balanced it all out. At about 5 hours into drinking this some cigar box flavors subtly snuck into the mid-palate giving it yet another dimension. It seemed as though every taste was different, and better, than the previous. The fruit isn’t as ripe as current vintages of this cuvee and it was easy to see the stylistic differences between them. While I could write more about this wine, I must say that Frank summed it up best when he said it was the best Douro wine he’s ever had…and where could he find some! A bottle every Douro wine lover should get to experience once in their lifetime.
97 points.

[Ronald Wortel]

Thanks for the note Andy. I will keep my only bottle for some more years before opening it. I only wish I had bought more at the time when it was still available at 50 euro!

[Andy Velebil]

Ronald,
You're luckly to have a bottle of this left. It is far from being mature, so you are right to stick yours away for further storage. I'll go out on a limb, but based on this bottle, it should easily last another 20 years if not longer.

[Roy Hersh]

It sounds like an amazing bottle. Great note Andy!