Esporao 2013 Quinta Dos Murcas Douro Reserva, Portugal

This is the classic version of a ‘quinta’ (estate) wine, where the emphasis is on the terroir to produce elegant wines with great ageing potential.  Quinta dos Murças Reserva comes from old vines planted at altitudes between 150m (490 ft) and 280 meters (915 ft), facing west.

Hand-picked grapes, destemming, crushing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts and temperature control in granite ‘lagares’, foot treading and pressing in an old-style vertical press.

Aged in used French oak casks for 12 months.

Complex aromas of cooked dark berry fruits, with balsamic notes and spice notes from the oak barrel aging.  This is a bold, rich dark red from the Douro valley.  Firm and concentrated with mature tannins. Long and persistent finish, balanced and elegant.