(2022) A typical Douro blend of 30% touriga franca, 30% tinta roriz, 25% tinta amarela and 15% touriga nacional, made in stainless steel. Vinous and dark fruited, cherry and plum with a wisp of smokiness. In the mouth this has a stripe of tannin that is dry and savoury, quite a grippy tannin profile, but the juiciness of the vine fruits and acid keep in mouth-watering and well-balanced.
(2019) Four varieties from Cima Corga, led by Touriga Franca. Nice bright colour, red and black vine fruits, primary, dry and with a slight inkiness, dry and liquorice character, lovely fresh acids and smooth tannins.
(2018) A very typical blend of Douro grape varieties, 60% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz and 15% Touriga Franca, this spent 12 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels. Fragrant with balsamic notes, plenty of chocolate and vanillin oak showing, and lots of ripe dark berry fruits. In the mouth a big swirling pool of black fruits, for me just a bit too much oak giving a slightly resinous quality, but it's plush, deep, creamy and packed with fruit, and will find many fans especially if matched to venison, with a touch of bitter chocolate enriching the sauce perhaps.
(2016) The Symington family have been farmers and winemakers in Portugal's Douro Valley for generations, and table wines play an increasing part in the business. This organic blend of Touriga Nacional with a handful of other varieties if wonderfully aromatic, a real potpourri of spices and flowers, vivid cherry fruit and exotic Sandalwood. In the mouth it has plenty of fruit too, red highlights and deeper black fruit notes, a nicely roughening hint of tannin and fine balance in its medium-bodied format. Watch the video for food-matching ideas and more information.
(2016) Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca are joined by 20% of mixed, old field blend varieties. Much more solid, svelte and deeply fruited than the Contos da Terra, spice and liquorice edge the black fruits. In the mouth a nicely alert, juicy style with the bittersweetness of black plums and the tart juicy acidity playing against a touch of savoury, meaty character.
(2014) Typical Douro red blend focused around Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, this has tobacco-streaked and earthy aromas, a nice lift of scented, almost floral nuance and plenty of substance as well as charm. The palate has a rustic grip and straightforward earthiness, with precision to the fruit and very elegant finish, despite the grip of those tannins. Chewy, but charming.
(2010) Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca. The playful "Drink Me" is in fact a blend of indigenous grapes with a little French oak ageing, specifically made for the UK market by maestro Dirk Niepoort. There's a savoury cherry fruit quality on the nose with just a hint of sweet, damp earth and spices. On the palate it is elegant and well-balanced, the sweetness and freshness of the red fruits set against some spice and then lean, clean tannins and acidity, the whole picture long, food-friendly and refined.
