TN: 2008 Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vine Douro

[Andy Velebil]

A nose with lots of tar, black fruit, and spices. The palate is full bodied, with lots of acidity, dark fruit, minerality, and spicy long finish. Very little oak showing so far and I like that as some prior vintages tended to show a bit much in the oak department early on, although that oak did integrated without issue later. This is showing better balanced than some prior vintages such as the 2005 and 2006. Right now this is really excelling in the very long and complex finish. Interestingly, about 3-hrs after opening the fruit closed up for a short time before reemerging. 24 hours later this has taken on rich Blackcurrants and an almost smokey meat undertone on nose. The dark fruit is kept very well in check by the minerality and acidity, the later two becoming more prominent on the finish 24 hours later. Day 2 has seen the tannins get dustier and the finish, while long yesterday, is even longer and shows better balance today in spite of those big tannins. This is great now and no doubt will rival the 2004 and 2007 in the future, matter of fact I like this just a little better than the 2007 when they were the same age, a fantastic Reserva.
94+ Points

[Rune EG]

Glad you liked it Andy, as I have read a couple of very nice tasting reports of the 2008-vintage.
Not available here in Norway until much later in the year, but it has recently been released in Denmark. I will be in Denmark for a short visit next week, and have already a case of six bottles. Looking forward to taste it when I am back.