2017 was a particularly warm and dry year in the Douro, with the maximum, median and minimum temperatures about 5 °C higher than average. Rainfall was also approximately 50% lower than usual. As a result of the warm and dry conditions, the grapes ripened at a faster pace than usual and the harvest began on 22 August for the red varieties, one of the earliest harvest dates on record. Aged for 30 months in new 1,200-litre French oak. TA 5.2 g/l, pH 3.7, RS 1.5 g/l.
Seriously deep colour. Rich and spicy nose. Definitely smells like a hot vintage! Round and with tannins evident only at the very end. Sweet and round for the first time – a delayed effect of the bigger oak casks?
From one of the earliest harvests on record – warm and dry – the nose bursts with bergamot, orange peel, esteva, black pepper and violets, whilst the black cherry and berry fruit remain tightly bound, still in thrall to the tannins. Fine but plentiful – a palpable charge – the tannins and well-balanced acidity suggest this vintage has a long life ahead.
Drinking Window 2024 - 2040
