“The 2021 Duas Quintas Branco is a blend of 60% Rabigato, 20% Viosinho and 10% each of Arinto and Códega. About 10% of the juice was in a mixture of French and Austrian wood for six months, but this is otherwise unoaked. It comes in at 13.1% alcohol. Always a nice choice at a nice price, this seem solid and it is always perky. This is a very nice year for freshness, but everything is perfectly integrated too. It seems solid enough for food, elegant enough to drink on its own. It's hard to go wrong with this balanced wine at this price.”

“The 2019 Duas Quintas Reserva is a 70/20 blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, with Tinta da Barca for the rest, all aged for 18 months in 20% new French oak of various sizes. It comes in at a hefty 15.7% alcohol. A big Reserva, this has fine depth and concentration, big fruit flavors and pungent aromatics. There is a serious backbone too. It is, though, the highest I've seen in alcohol (although some might have more generic and less accurate label numbers rather than the actual analytical numbers I seek now). So far, this seems to handle its size and alcohol very well, even if it is a bit of an outlier (but not as much for the Reserva, as the regular in this report is for that lighter-styled brand). In fact, it seems rather delicious and still focused. It's tightly wound but not harsh. Right now, I have to lean up on this but not quite all the way. I'm sure some will find it sensational, but I would like to see some evidence it can hold its balance. The tannins are not hard, so you can try this now. It will still be better in a couple of years, if all goes well.”

“Ripe and sleek, showing boysenberry and plum puree notes that glide through easily, with light anise and violet as well as a lightly toasted finish. Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Drink now through 2024.”

I love this single Quinta offering from this venerable house. The fruit has proven more than up to the time in the barrel here, with rich, concentrated berry character taking on the nutty marzipan and subtle spice character that no doubt comes from skilled barrel maintenance and a watchful eye on the oxidation that comes over so many years. A unique treasure!

“Fermented in stone lagars before wood aging, this Douro Superior wine is a departure for this estate, better known for its Ports. It is superrich, with powerful tannins and big fruit. The pepper edge does indicate the high alcohol, which is a shame. Drink from 2023. ”