TN: 2005 Domingos Alves de Sousa Quinta da Gaivosa Douro

[Andy Velebil]

Initially popped and poured where this showed lots of fruit, some barnyard, plenty of tannins, and a long tannic and full finish. About 30 minutes later this totally closed up. I can't recall ever having a Douro wine close up so hard so soon after opening. Four hours later it was still closed up on the palate, yet the finish showed some fruit, tannins, good acidity, and was persistent. For the first time I'm not sure I can give this a score. There is plenty there initially, but with it closing up so tight, it's hard to evaluate at the moment. I'll hold off opening another bottle at least till the end of the year and see where it's at then.