TN: 2007 Prats and Symington Douro Chryseia

[Richard Jennings]

This label is a joint venture of the Symingtons with Bruno Prats, winemaker and former owner of Cos d'Estournel. The venture began in 1998, they made the first experimental batches to identify the best grape varieties and vineyard plots in 1999, and the first Chryseia was produced in 2000. The name is the Greek translation of "Douro," which means "of gold." It is blended from a number of Symington family vineyards, and made by Bordeaux-trained Stephanie Point at the Symington's Quinta do Sol winery, under the direction of Bruno Prats and Charles Symington, with vinification and elevage very much following Bordeaux methods. When the vintage is not strong enough for Chryseia, they release the wine under a second label, Post Scriptum. I found this sample well made, but tight and a bit oakier on the palate than I prefer.

• 2007 Prats and Symington Douro Chryseia - Portugal, Douro
  Opaque black red violet color; lavender, oak, black fruit, herbal nose; tight, ripe black plum, oak, blackberry palate with depth; medium-plus finish 90+ pts. (70% Touriga Nacional; 30% Touriga Franca and Tinta Cao) (90 pts.)

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