Christian Seely, the Englishman who woke up a sleeping beauty, does the honours at Quinta da Romaneira.
Quinta da Romaniera Douro 2016
Violets, rose petals, and blueberries on the nose and palate. The fruit is chaperoned by the loveliest tannins, so very well knitted into the fruit. Medium-plus-ish bodied. A blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cao and “five percent of other varieties”.
Quinta da Romaneira Touriga Nacional 2016
Floral, including violets. Ripe, elegant fruit carried by tannins of the same degree of ripenness and mouth-watering freshness. The first vintage – like the following wine – was 2009. Enjoyable now to 2025.
Quinta da Romaniera Syrah 2016
There is not a lot Syrah grown in the Douro. Going by this, the Douro should up the stakes and sink more vines. Everything in this 100% Syrah gives the sensation of a cool climate terroir in a region that last July peaked at 46° Celsius. Such, though, is the microclimate at Romaneira that it protects the vines from temperamental tantrums. Raspberry/ cherry fruit wrapped in silky tannins. The original plant material had come from the Rhone Valley and was planted in 2000. Douro DOC does not allow for Syrah.
Quinta da Romaneira Douro Reserva 2016
Violets and raspberries. Silky tannins to match the elegant fruit. The blend is 50% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca and 10% Tinto Cao. Wonderful harmony.
Quinta da Romaneira Douro Reserva 2012
Violets and cassis. Seductive, irresistible fruitiness held together by textured tannins and a web of unforgiving freshness. Pin-point balance. Douro reds can be in-your-face and on the heavy side. Or overoaked. Not here. This is a cool climate calling card of a very tall, world-class order. Best Douro red I’ve ever tasted.