Quinta Do Vale D. Maria Unfiltered Reserve Port

Winemaker, Cristiano Van Zeller is one of Portugals very talented winemakers who was a former owner and director of Quinta do Noval. Quinta do Vale Dona Maria has belonged to Cristiano's wife's family for many years. From 1973 to 1996 the estate leased the vineyard to the Symington group who used it as the backbone for the best Smith Woodhouse Vintage Ports.
The vineyard is situated in the spectacular Rio Torto Valley and has an excellent South/ South East exposure. 10 hectares are planted to vine, which are planted to local Portuguese varieties, including TINTA AMARELA, RUFETE, TINTA BARROCA, TINTA RORIZ, TOURIGA FRANCESA, TOURIGA NACIONAL and SOUSAO. The Quinta produces both red wine and port, with the balance determined by vintage conditions.
The vintage port is made in the traditional manner, including foot treading in open lagares before fermentation.

TASTING NOTE: The first sniff of this port indicates a wine of style and pedigree, which is hardly surprising when you learn that the man behind the label is Cristiano Van Zeller, the previous owner and director of the famous Quinta Do Noval. The Van Zeller family have owned their vineyard for over 100 years. The grapes are grown in two vineyards, Vale da Mina and Vale Dona Maria. Cristiano has developed new styles of port, moving away from the mainstream styles of the past. The unfiltered reserve will last for years and like a good traditional vintage port needs to be decanted prior to serving.
Very deep crimson colour with crimson mauve hue. Superb nose with top note of marzipan, plum, blackpepper, and liquorice. The palate is explosive, with again strong marzipan character, followed by spice, pepper and black cherry infusions. Wonderful spirit balance with superb dry finish and very long aftertaste of blackberry and marzipan.
Cellar: 8-10 years (2013-2015)
Alc/Vol: 19.5%