TN: 2001 Dona Maria 2005 do Vale Meao

[Scott Kipping]

Just general impressions from a dinner a while ago. These were the standout bottles of about 10 wines. First up is the Dona Maria, bought and cellared 4 upon release in 2003. Decanted 2 hrs. Absolutely stunning wine, still big in the mouth, still tannins present with a lot of life ahead. 93 pts. I'm glad I have one more for a vertical to be done next year around March-April.

2005 Meao Douro. I started purchasing these wines with the 2004 vintage.It is one of the few wines I purchase blind every year they are that good. A friend had one recently and said it was spectacular, so this was placed in the to drink rack. 12hr slow od'. Well my friend was right. Holy crap is this good. Concentrated and extracted, but with the verve of tannin and lively acid to complete the whole package. Incredibly good wine. Will outlive myself. Poking into the classic range 95pts. WS got this one right.