TN: 2014 Real Companhia Velha Quinta das Carvalhas Touriga Nacional Douro

[Andy Velebil]

$18. Tasted over 3 hours. I really enjoyed the 2012 version of this so was really curious to try this one when I saw it on the shelf at a local retail chain. The first thing I noticed were the tannins on this are quite pronounced in relation to the lighter bodied fruit. Still has that tar and graphite of the 2012, but doesn't have the depth or the long finish. While pleasant and enjoyable this doesn't reach the level of previous vintages. In its defense, this was a really challenging year in the Douro with cool weather and lots of rain that persisted off and on even through the harvest. While it may not be up to the level of that overachieving 2012, this still performs well for its inexpensive price.

87 Points