TN: 2009 Quinta da Manoella vinhas velhas (Wine & Soul) Douro red

[Rune EG]

This was the last bottle of 18 bottles, I think. Most of them in this vintage has been steady at 92-94 pts in my opinion. Except this bottle, they have been consumed during age 2-7 years. Kept one 2009-bottle for further three years in order to see how it aged. This bottle got 91 pts after some discussion (close to getting 90 pts). A bit worrying of that experience. I have Manoella vinhas velhas also from 2010, 2013 and 2015, so I guess I have to concentrate on drinking the 2010.

Decanted 3.5 hrs. Very dark red colour. Deep aroma of fruit, minerals and acidity being evident. Medium body. Elegant, some power, oak, fruit less evident than before. Dryness is getting more dominant especially towards the end. Medium length aftertaste. 91 pts.

[Andy Velebil]

Has it gone into a closed phase? I ask as I’ve found that often times upper end Douro wines shut down like their VP counterparts do. Only to come out beautiful a couple years later.

[David Spriggs]

A bit worrying of that experience

Wow. I wouldn't have thought. For a Douro wine, ten years old is not that long, even for a hot ripe year like 2009.