Multi: 2003 Quinta do Vallado Reserva & 2004 Douro Branco

[Frederick Blais]

First the Red, Douro Reserva 2003 was really the better of the 2 tonight showing exuberant bouquet of ripe cassis, gooseberry, some floral tones and good dose of minerality. The mouth is showing good concentration balanced with ripe black fruits and the right dose of acidity and glycerine to keep that 14,5% alc/col wine perfectly balanced. The finale is lingering again on black fruits with very nice exotic wood flavours. 16.5/20

The Douro white 2004 was more shy on the nose but still complex with white flowers tone as dominant flavours with nice fresh almonds and exotic fruits like white peaches. Mouth was really balanced, showing ripe fruits like pears and apple intemixed with grassy flavours as in the Loire Sancerre but with some buttery/nutty edges like Burgundy Meursault. The finale in on the fresh nutty flavours, very pleasant. Another very impressive white from the Douro DOC. 15.5/20

[Frederick Blais]

For those living in Québec, the 2004 reserva Tinto just made its entrance on the shelves of the SAQ Signature. For 40$ it is an interesting wine to buy if you want to discover quality from the Douro dry wines.