For The Love Of Port

Generally I am quite restrictive with scores for red wines, especially when hitting the 90s. There are only very few red wines that for me is going above 92, and with 95 being the highest (only one time = 1990 Niepoort Robustos).

Earlier this fall I purchased a case of 2006 Pintas (first level) and a case of 2006 Pintas Character (second level). A few weeks ago I posted a Tasting Note for the 2006 Pintas Character, and gave it 92 pts. Yesterday we had the 2006 Pintas (first level) for dinner, and I am not saying “wow”, it is more like “WOOOW”. Both bottles were consumed with the same type of food, therefore it is possible to be more comparative in the judging.

Decanted 2 hrs. Some sediments. Dark red colour. Delicious aroma in a nice combination of being powerful and smooth, consisting of berries, pepper and a touch of pleasant perfume. Full body. An elegant, balanced taste of the type I love, i.e. the perfect combination of power and elegance. A lot of different types of taste “exploded” in the mouth, but still there is some gentleness in the wine. Long finish. Fortunately I have five more bottles. 95 pts.

Is this the set up you refer too?

http://www.wineanorak.com/douro4pintas.htm

Yes Bob, you are correct.
The article is already 8 years, which was made shortly after their start up.
Here is another link where I think the couple has been involved in producing pictures and product info:
http://www.wonderfulland.com/wonder2006 ... ducts_main

I have with great interest followed the developments of the red wines in the Douro valley.
As you will see the producers have developed first and second levels:
- Wine & Soul: Pintas / Pintas Character
- Moreira / Martins: Poeira / Po de Poeira
- Symington: Chryseia / Post Scriptum
- Q do Vale Meao: Quinta do Vale Meao / Meandro
- Q do Crasto: Vinha da Ponte / Maria Teresa (possibly very close)
- Niepoort: Robustos / Batuta / Charme and then Redoma

I have tasted a major part of the above, most of them as part of a private dinner. But first the wines have been tasted on their own, which means I am getting a double impression of the wines. There are variations between the vintages, partly due to experimenting and partly due to the conditions of the various years. A lot of nice wines, and more to come.

Enjoy!

The Crasto Maria teresa is not a second lable to the Vinha da Ponte. These are both their top wines made from different single vineyards (Maria Teresa and Ponte). If there is a second label in Crasto is the Quinta do Crasto Colheita but i dont think they have this philosophy in their product line. I think it's more of an upward line: Colheita, Vinhas Velhas, MonoVarietals and both Maria Teresa e Vinha da Ponte.


Regarding 2nd labels, i also agree that Pintas (character) is the best but also the most expensive :)