For The Love Of Port

Several weeks now, I realize, but it is a good time to start thinking about and discussing some of the great bottles you've enjoyed in 2011. Can you name one or a few and let us know why it was so special?

2007 Quinta do Vale Meao Douro Red.
Previously I have had Vale Meao's Meandro and like that one. As we do not get the top level Meao here in Norway, I had to go to Denmark. So during 2011 we have finished a case of 6 btls Meao top level. Amazing wine. First time I tasted it I posted a tasting note at 94 pts. We had another bottle for dinner on Friday 9th, and my wife and I agree that this is now minimum 95 may be 96 pts. Fortunately we have one more case.

During the FTLOP Harvest Tour 2011 we had three marvelous Douro reds at Quinta do Crasto (all magnums), which in my book was 1998 Maria Teresa (95 pts), 1998 Vinha da Ponte (95 pts) and the 2004 Touriga Nacional (96 pts). It was the first time, and so far only time, that I have given a red wine above 95 pts.

White:
2009 DOC Alvarinho Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única - if you find this wine dont miss it...it's really something. Mineral, laser-like focus and begging for some bottle time. You can really see it's going to be something special in the future.

2002 DOC Bairrada Quinta das Bágeiras Bairrada Garrafeira - this wine looked, smelled and tasted gone but after 30m in the decanter it became a giant of a wine...loads of petrol, glycerin, fruit and amazing acidity...unique!!!!!

Red:
2005 DOC Bairrada Sidónio de Sousa Garrafeira - the last vintage for the vines (+100 year old) that produced this wine. It's an amazing wine built to age...100% Baga

2007 DOC Douro Robustus - the best vintage, IMHO, for this wine....fresh, precise with amazing ageing ccapacity!!!


Sorry i could not restrain myself to only one wine :)

75+ people have looked at this thread and only two have any opinion to share?

Come on, I know you guys are here and drink a ton of Port ... but some of you must drink the occasional bottle of white or red wine, right?

Quinta Vallado Touriga Nacional

Quinta Ventozelo Tinta Roriz

Both wines are amazing as both a Douro red's and a single varietal's on their own. Can't wait to see how they develop in a decade!

Off the top of my head a pair of 1998 Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa and Vinha da Ponte, both from magnum and tasted side by side. Amazing wines!

2003 Quinta Ventozelo Tinta Roriz.

I like old, mature, wines so I'd have to say a 20 year old Dao. It was a 1989 but being far from home I don't have my notes. I think it was called "Lapa de Lobo" and had a sketch of a wolf on the label. I cannot recall the producer's name.

Cheers................................Mahmoud

I have not drunk that many Douro wines this year however for me the standout has been Batuta 2005. A great wine! I purchased this on release and took out a couple of cases in November. It is going to get alot better but WOW how pleased am I with this!

Chris G wrote:I have not drunk that many Douro wines this year however for me the standout has been Batuta 2005. A great wine! I purchased this on release and took out a couple of cases in November. It is going to get alot better but WOW how pleased am I with this!

I was served blind a 2004/2005 Batura side by side at Napolis by Luis S. and asked which i preferred. I picked the 2005.

I like the 2004 better earlier, but it was wild to see how much the 2005 has improved and surpassed the 2004 in quality.

Bummer, I bought a bunch of 2004 Batuta and passed up the 2005's.

As for my selections, I'd just say: "Ditto Rune."