For The Love Of Port

2000 Quinta do Portal Grand Reserva, (VQPRD) Douro - Consumed alongside the 2000 Quinta dos Aciprestes, this was in a different league. It appeared fully opaque with a deep burgundy color and pink edge. Notes of tobacco leaf, cedar and an earthy-herbal aroma that was gorgeous and I'd have sworn it was a big CA Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a classy Douro red wine and still 3-5 years away from it's apex. On the palate it possesses rich and chewy plum and cassis fruit with a bitter chocolate accent. It is smooth, sexy and concentrated with a lingering finish with just a gentle kiss of oak. The label mentions a mix of French and Russian oak. This is the best bottle of Portal Douro red wine I have had, yet due to some youthful tannins I believe this will be even better when the tannins come into focus with the fruit with further bottle age. 92+ points