Vinexpo Considerations

[João Rico]

Hi all,

Been at the Vinexpo and really enjoyed every little bit. Of course a tasted a lot of good things, but I'm here just to give some king of personal opinion about the Portuguese Douro wines I've tasted.
As i regarded from my tasting and from conversations with producers and winemakers, the 2005 will be generally a GREAT year on Douro and even in Portuguese wines. Wines so elegant yet powerful will make us really enjoy these wines. Now some of the producers:




Jorge Moreira - As he spoke to me this is the best Poeira he made ever. Such elegance is only achieved in superb vintages and he got it for Poeira and even his new Brand "J". Look after these ones.

Quinta de Maritávora - As the vintage of 2004 was a great vintage, for this winemaker 2005 will be even better. The Maritávora will be a sucess as it is so yummy. The Reserva will be something to follow when released. As for the Maritávora white, wich is made from really old vines (150-220 years, i think) is now one of my favorite Portuguese whites.

Wine & Soul - Sandra e Jorge Serôdio did it again. Another block buster Pintas from 2005 and a huge Guru from 2006. Will you wasn't these on your cellar? I know i will. The released a new Brand called Pintas Character in the vintage of 2005 and will be for sure a sucess, since it is really good.


Pedro Carvalho - The winemaker from Casa Santa Eufémia did a wine at his own. The name is Compota, the grape is Touriga Nacional, the vintage is 2005 and the wine is spectacular. Really great wine.

Quinta do Vallado - This house is improving from vintage to vintage. The wines are really elegant and they released a Touriga Nacional that will make you beg for more of that.


Niepoort - I think this house achieved 2 things. First, the best ever Vertente (IMHO) and second, all the wines improved in comparison to predecessors. In the whites, Tiara 2006 improved so much and the Redoma's are better in 2006.


Quinta do Crasto - One of most known Quintas from Douro that has always the same consistency in their vintages quality will not let us down again, as they made some great stuff like the Touriga Nacional 2005, the Reserva Vinhas Velhas and the Vinha Maria Teresa. Huge wines. Loved the Quinta do Crasto 2006, since of for me the best until now from this wine.



Other wines i really liked.....


Aneto 2004
Gouvyas Reserva White 2004
Perfil 2004
Momentos 2004
Curva Reserva white 2006
Curva Reserva 2005




Best Regards,


João Rico