TN: 2006 Quinta do Crasto Old Vine Reserva Douro

[Andy Velebil]

I had opened a 2005 Alcina Syrah that was, well, lets just say one of the worst wines I've had in a long time. So after a major disappointment I opened the cellar and this bottle was staring me in the eye, just screaming to be opened. Consumed over several hours, this initially started with a lot of black currants, vanilla, and fair amount of tannins. About 30 minutes later the fruit really closed up, it got very dusty, and leaned out. Then about one hour later that fruit came back out to play and this was opened for business. I really enjoyed the balance of subtle dark fruit, dusty tannins, a dash of tar, and just a hint of spice on the full finish. More restrained than some other vintages of this wine allowing a more classic Douro wine profile to come through. It was also very interesting to see this go through several stages over the course of drinking it. I would either recommend decanting for at least two hours (or more) before drinking or leaving this in the cellar for another year or two.
91 points
6/7/10

[Niklas J]

Andy, have you had the 2005? I loved it but must confess I've been a bit sceptical on buying the 2006. If you've had it - a comparison?

Thanks!

Niklas

[Andy Velebil]

Niklas,

Yes, I've had the 2005. Although checking my notes looks like the last time was almost 2 years ago, yet for some reason I made an entry but no tasting note....so I'll use my TN from 2007. That said, I liked the 2005 a touch more than the 2006 for overall structure and while I think the 2005 will probably be a slightly longer lived wine, the 2006 is very solid. I would say the 2006 is a just ever-so slightly more rustic or "old school" in style with a little less flashy fruit than the 2005, but it still retains that classic Reserva profile.

I know some reviewers, well really just one, was very critical of virtually all 2006 Douro wines. While he was correct 2006 was a tough year for Douro wines, there were some very nice ones made and IMO this was one of them. It was good enough for me to buy almost 2 cases of it. So I think that says a lot as I won't buy that many bottles of any wine unless I thought it was solid.


Thanks for bringing this up and it looks like it's time to grab a 2005 out of the offsite soon and see how it's developing...it's been far too long since my last bottle of it.

[Niklas J]

If you buy two cases then it must be a nice drink Thanks for the comparison between the '05 and '06! I only have a magnum left of the 2005 and will try to keep hands away. My problem is that the really good Douro table wines has such a beautiful structure already as young, and a fruit that's almost impossible to resist, that I tend to pop them too early!

Best,

Niklas

[Andy Velebil]

My problem is that the really good Douro table wines has such a beautiful structure already as young, and a fruit that's almost impossible to resist, that I tend to pop them too early!

I know exactly what you mean