TN: 2004 Quinta do Crasto Vinha da Ponte Douro

[Andy Velebil]

Time to check in and see how this is maturing. I decanted about 6 1/2 hours prior consuming. When I first decanted it there was lovely black stone fruit aromas but when I tasted it there was no fruit and a clipped finish. I was a bit worried it may have some low level TCA robbing it of flavor. I left it in the decanter to see where it went. Came back to it just over 6 hours later and it had transformed into a beauty. The first thing I noticed was the oak that was pronounced in its youth was totally gone. Leaving behind fantastic complex and still youthful red stone fruits and cassis, moderate tannins, uplifting acidity and an expansive mouth presence that led up to a long lingering finish. I was duly impressed by how this is maturing. Having had it some years ago when it went through a phase and didn't show it's best then. Based on this bottle, give it a good long decant or leave it in the cellar for another 8-10 years. Though I have no doubt it will last many years longer than that.
96 Points