TN: 2003 Quinta do Côtto Douro Vinho Tinto

[Otto Nieminen]

Quinta do Côtto Douro Vinho Tinto 2003 12,5% 11,96€

This is the basic red of Montez Champalimaud. Dark red. A strange scent: lactic and herbal, primary yet a bit earthy, leathery and mineral, with a sweetness to the fruit reminding me of Chateauneuf! Will certainly be better in the near future, but is pretty pleasant with a couple hours decanting.

The palate is very berryish, a bit lean and very dry, yet pleasantly structured and with moderate acidity despite the warm year. I rather liked it. It was unspoofulated and refreshing despite the hazards of the very warm year.

It was even better the next day when the strange lactic note had calmed down. Needs rare meat at the moment and should develop well over a couple of years.