2003 Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

TN: `03 Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines, Douro.

My third and last bottle! Opened one hour, decanted, slight trace of sediment. $28 Cdn or thereabouts, 14.5% alc, mish mash of usual suspects that grow out there.

Color. Nice dark garnet color, no sign of any age on the rim. Very intense tones here.

Nose. Initially closed at first, then earthy, some vanilla, plum cherry. "Coffee" from across the table, not much change over the evening.

Palate. Initial entry.....some fine tannins, good acidity, Am oak, very good balance here. Hint of sweetness after an hour or so, some chocolate, fair amount of black fruits here, hint of vanilla. "Raspberry....expected more raisins, not that port-like" from in-house PO. I think this drinks nicely now but one could hold a tad longer. Did not find the heat Oswaldo noted in his note last year. Very good Crasto in my opinion, must find other notes.

[Andy Velebil]

It doesn't surprise me this was holding up so well. I recently had a 1994 that was smoking good and still youthful.

[Mahmoud Ali]

NIce notes Bob. Good to hear that the '03 can hold on longer. I'll do that with mine, thanks.

And Andy, hearing about the '94 gives me even more reason to hold on.

Cheers..........................Mahmoud.