Douro Boys Cuvee, Douro Boys (Niepoort, Crasto, Vallado, Vale de Meao & Vale Dona Maria) 2005

A special fifth-anniversary blend comprising one barrel each made by the group calling themselves the Douro Boys, established in 2000: Quinta do Vale Meão, Quinta do Crasto, Quinta Vale D. Maria, Niepoort and Quinta do Vallado. Only 500 magnums produced, and all sold at a special auction in the Douro.

Deep greyish garnet but surprisingly no sign of brick at the rim. It smells remarkably youthful, with so much black fruit and some sweet spice notes. If I had been given this blind, I would never have thought it was nearly 20 years old because of the intensity of fruit and the firm structure, even if the tannins are beautifully resolved. Excellent harmony, just enough freshness to balance the warmth of the alcohol. A big, concentrated, generous and yet refined wine with a very slightly minty note on the finish. This could so easily have waited another 15 years but it was delicious with slow-cooked beef shin.