Three magnums of this wine were purchased at the Norwegian Wine Monopoly December 2011, and since then stored in our dark temperature-controlled wine cellar. The first two were consumed at New Year’s Eve dinners 2014 and 2015, and they were at 93 pts level (not posted on FTLOP). On this Forum we have discussed how long the Vale D Maria tinto is lasting, and there has been some indications that they are not lasting much more than 10-12 years. It should be mentioned that at our home we always have some cases of this wine as we regard it as very stable in quality. The other 2007s tasting notes I have posted are based normal 75 cl bottles.
Bottled July 2009. Bottle had a thick solid wax seal on the top and down about 5 cm/2 inches. No sign of leakage. Cork came out in one piece with a regular cork screw. Decanted 2.5 hrs. No need for more decanting time. Medium red colour with a touch of purple and tiny bit brownish. Powerful aroma of oak and fruit. Medium body. Taste is all the way dominated by oak, fruit and minerals. First half hour the acidity/sweetness-balance was very nice, but then acidity increased quite rapidly. Conclusion for this bottle was that we waited too long. 88 pts.
TN: 2007 Vale D Maria Douro red (magnum)
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