Quinta do Portal – Quinta dos Muros Vintage Porto 2014 75 cl. 20%

Quinta dos Muros is perfectly situated in the eastern part of the Pinhão Valley, undoubtedly one of Douro’s finest terroirs. The estate’s dramatically steep schist terraces yield small, thick-skinned grapes from touriga nacional, touriga franca, and tinta roriz, which are perfectly suited for vintage port production.

Although 2014 is considered a “middle-of-the-road” vintage for vintage port, this delightful wine nonetheless offers plenty of power and richness.

The wine remains youthful, but it can reasonably be expected to mature a bit faster than the very greatest vintages—vintages that the youngest port enthusiasts may avoid while testing the limits of both their own and the wine’s immortality. Meanwhile, more seasoned port drinkers will welcome this wine, appreciating that it is likely to mature within their lifetime and knowing from experience that good wines taste great regardless of vintage charts’ oversimplification of reality.

The nose and palate offer dramatic berry fruit with elderberry, blackcurrant, and blackberry, wrapped in a bold structure that keeps the sweetness in check. The finish is long and lacks the puppyish sweetness often found in young vintage ports. Aging in old oak barrels provides a spicy twist, more likely from gentle micro-oxidation than direct flavor exchange between wood and wine.

Enjoy with pepper steak, an endless array of chocolate desserts, or on its own in the company of fellow port enthusiasts. Remember to savor the wine in spacious glasses to fully appreciate its aromas.
We recommend a serving temperature of 14-18°C.

As with all vintage ports, this wine is bottled unfiltered, making decanting essential for an optimal experience. Decant it well in advance of serving to avoid any mishaps in front of your guests.