Congratulations are in order!

[Roy Hersh]

The American bi-monthly publication, The Wine Advocate, has given the charismatic winemaker Cristiano van Zeller from the Douro Valley something to really cheer about. Van Zeller is known for his charm, his eloquence, his passion for a good celebration and he loves to enjoy life. His red ‘Tinto’ wine Quinta do Vale D. Maria 2009 has been rated with an extraordinary 96 points. This means that his Douro DOC wine is one of the highest rated wines from Portugal (with Parker's Wine Advocate previously awarding 96 points to only three wines).

Quinta do Vale D. Maria 2009 is produced from traditional Portuguese indigenous grape varieties, such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Rufete, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa and Sousão. The old vines all grow together in the same vineyard, as a mixed field blend. Just like virtually all of the other wines that Cristiano van Zeller produces, the grapes for Vale D. Maria were treaded by foot in the traditional Lagares, prior to maturation in oak barriques. This wine displays an impressive deep black colour and exudes highly attractive aromas of raspberry and red cherry over fine notes of bittersweet chocolate and plum.

The Vale D. Maria was rated by Robert Parker’s Portugal taster Mark Squires, who was not only impressed by its exceptional structure and balance, but he also gave it a remarkably long cellaring potential. He notes that, “This year, it has a sexiness to it that is captivating. Yet, that is certainly not all it has…..The tannins are obvious, sometimes hard edged, but they are ultimately going to integrate. In its youth, the oak is also a touch obvious, but it is equally clear that will integrate, too….Put this in the cellar and come back in 5-6 years…It will be a contender for one of the best Vale D. Marias. It will be a contender for wine of the vintage…”
A number of Cristiano van Zeller’s other wines also received a high accolade, and Mark Squires closes by stating that, “This is the best lineup overall I’ve seen from the Van Zeller stable."

[Andy Velebil]

[Ray Barnes]

Very good to hear indeed.