Quinta di Portal notes.

TN: `05 Quinta do Portal Reserva, Douro.

Bottle #1 consumed 2011.

Probably the biggest wine from Portugal that I have tasted in a long time. First came across this vintage at a Wines of Portugal event and I was immediately impressed.

$32 Cdn, 14.5% alc, opened and decanted for one hour. 70% T Nacional, 20% T Roriz 10% T Franca. New Fr. oak for 9 months and it still shows! No sediment noted.

The color was a dark ruby purple and on the nose I found blackcurrant, berries, minerals and some port-like tones. "Cedar and pepper" from across the table.

Very much old-world style on the palate, very little ripe fruit here either. Tannins in background, great earthy context here, some chocolate with the chunky flavors. Quite tight initially...berries, cherry, "not too puckery". Quite dry with some port character, kept some for day three where it showed more ripe (ish) blackcurrant, raisins, softer finish.

Two bottles in the cellar, no rush to drink up.

Nov 14, so here is bottle #2.

Decanted one hour, some light sediment noted, good natural cork.

The color is still very much deep, no sign of age. On the nose, red fruits, hint of port-like quality, blackcurrant to forefront, pepper, has a warm feel about it.
Initial entry is dry and tannic, still a dense wine and needs more time for sure. Big fruit palate here...sweet berry and currant. "Has terrific structure, complex" from across the table. Distinct Portuguese, could not mistake that fact.
Softer finish on day 2 and fruit tad riper as well. Bravo Portal!