2009 Douro Red Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Reserva is revisited this issue as part of the vertical presented. A big mouthful in this vintage, this is palate-coating and gripping on the finish, showing its power and a burly demeanor that Vallado, which typically leans to the elegant, usually avoids. For all of that, if it is not the most typical Reserva in the lineup, it is pretty good, bursting with flavor, intense, focused and, yes, a little more dramatic than normal. This is coming along very well. It is still nowhere near peak, but it can be approached.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
69% old vineyards (20 varieties) plus 31% of younger Touriga Nacional. 17 months in French oak. Deep crimson. Sweet and spicy oak and dark fruit on the nose. But there's a clearly mineral Douro overlay. Vanilla laced black fruit on the palate with a sour/savoury aftertastes that lifts it from the initial sweetness. Warm finish but the fine, dry tannins add a contrasting cool edge to the aftertaste. (JH)
70% oak-matured. Vanilla, sawdust, green beans, floral, sweet spices, mineral, bright acid, creamy and lengthy. Reminds me a bit of the more opulent styles of Fiano, perhaps? (RH)
About the producer
Product details
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca/Touriga Francesa, Tempranillo, Other
Red
Dry