2007 Dow

[Alex Bridgeman]

Tanky on the nose, but with a lovely underlying elegance and perfume/ Silky in texture, strongly dry and tannic but with lots of fruit in the mix. The tannis are huge, but these do fade a little to allow the ripe sweetness through. Great depth. Sweet aftertaste of blackcurrant pastilles. Very long finish. 91-93. Drunk 28 June 2009.

Component: Senhora da Ribeira Vinha Velha - funky and tannic nose; smooth in texture, quite thick bodied. Tanky hint to the flavours; good levels of fruit and soft tannins in the mouth with nice floral elements. Quite soft. Aftertaste is very dry, big and quite cheek numbing.

Component: Senhora da Ribeira Touriga Franca - small nose, hugely gripping tannins in the mouth but with good levels of sweet fruit. An aftertaste dominated by the tannic grip and Granny Smith apple skins.

Component: Bomfim Touriga Nacional from Alto da Natercia - lightly perfumed nose, perhaps a bit tanky. Lovely soft and grapey fruit. Tannis are soft; aftertaste is long and has lovely fresh orange tinges in it.

Component: Bomfim Touriga Nacional - little on the nose, some floral flavours but more tannic than expected. Fruit is sweet and quite luscious. Delightful in the mouth but the aftertaste is quite clipped.

Component: Senhora da Ribeira Touriga Nacional - floral nice which is slightly tanky. Smooth texture on entry but then the tannins show through the soft and gentle fruit. Some odd woody tones. Dry, tannic aftertaste with cheeks stuck to the teeth, but rather lovely.