Passadouro 2007 Reserve Douro DOC
Posted: 20:56 Sat 12 Apr 2014
This is something of a surprise: a Douro table wine that isn't heavy, earthy and massively tannic. The label says it's made from over 20 grape varieties, so presumably these are old(ish) field blends; the result is that the wine has a genuine balance.
Very dark, 85% opaque. Nose of raspberries and more delicate fruits, delicate cedar also and a very slight sharp volatility. The most obvious thing in the mouth is the freshness and acidity. The fruit is light, small currants mainly; then the acidity comes in mid-palate and leads to a beautiful long finish with the merest hint of warm barnyard at the end.
A real revelation, the most claret-like Douro I've ever tasted. Jorge Borges is an extremely talented winemaker.
Why such a heavy bottle though?
Very dark, 85% opaque. Nose of raspberries and more delicate fruits, delicate cedar also and a very slight sharp volatility. The most obvious thing in the mouth is the freshness and acidity. The fruit is light, small currants mainly; then the acidity comes in mid-palate and leads to a beautiful long finish with the merest hint of warm barnyard at the end.
A real revelation, the most claret-like Douro I've ever tasted. Jorge Borges is an extremely talented winemaker.
Why such a heavy bottle though?