TN: 2012 Real Companhia Velha Quinta das Carvalhas Touriga Nacional

[andy_velebil]

• 2012 Real Companhia Velha Quinta das Carvalhas Touriga Nacional Douro - Portugal, Douro (11/15/2015)
  Decanted about an hour. I am generally not a fan of this grape as a single varietal as in my experience it is a hard grape to tame on its own. Though some producers have done a good job, usually at a significantly higher price point. So at $18, I wasn’t expecting much from this one. I could not have been more wrong. The reddish/black fruit, tar, minerality, and pencil lead was well balanced among the moderate tannins and nice acidity. Very consistent across the mouth and finish, the latter being moderately long. This is one of the best Douro Touriga Nacional’s for under $20 I’ve ever had. I don’t know what the life span of this will be as I have no prior experience with it, but this should do well in the early to mid term. Then again, why wait this drinks so well now. Hats off to RCV on doing such a good job on this.
  89 Points (89 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker
Pic is from the 2011 vintage

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

Thanks for this note, Andy. Did you get this at Total Wine, or elsewhere? If elsewhere, where?

[andy_velebil]

@Brian G r a f s t r o m

Thanks for this note, Andy. Did you get this at Total Wine, or elsewhere? If elsewhere, where?

Got it at Total Wine (buy six or more bottles, mix and match, for a slight discount).

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

Cool. thanks.

[Markus_S]

Sounds pretty nice. Many of these Duoro wines are a just a bit much for me (in a big, extracted way).

[andy_velebil]

@Markus S

Sounds pretty nice. Many of these Duoro wines are a just a bit much for me (in a big, extracted way).

Actually, the beauty of the region is in not being extracted. That is not to say that some are in that style, as there are those who make big wines as all regions have. As for some “parkerization” did creep in to some degree around 2004 to around 2009. Thankfully most in that camp are now changing their styles back to a more traditional style as they gain more and more experience making Douro dry wines, allowing the true Douro character to shine through.

[Markus_S]

@andy velebil

@Markus S

Sounds pretty nice. Many of these Duoro wines are a just a bit much for me (in a big, extracted way).

Actually, the beauty of the region is in not being extracted. That is not to say that some are in that style, as there are those who make big wines as all regions have. As for some “parkerization” did creep in to some degree around 2004 to around 2009. Thankfully most in that camp are now changing their styles back to a more traditional style as they gain more and more experience making Douro dry wines, allowing the true Douro character to shine through.

That’s good to know, Andy. I haven’t had any since the early-to-mid 2000’s and many over-ripe. I’ve always wished a return to the Barca Velha style of old, and it sounds like they may be going back to it. I’ll have to revisit, because I do like the unique varieties grown there.

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

The thing I love the most about dry Douro reds is the distinct and unique character they show when they’re not over-extracted, and I’ve found many examples that fit that bill. I know I shouldn’t, but I do always find it very intriguing how many dry Douro reds taste like Vintage Port without tasting like a Port (if that makes any sense …). It’s good to hear that many producers are dialing it back somewhat, as such a move would align with my palate nicely.