2013 Quinta do Carvalhas
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Vinhas Velhas da Quinta das Carvalhas (Carvalhas' Old Vines, in other words--in this case, 80+ years) is a field blend aged for 18 months in a 50/50 mixture of new and used French oak. It comes in at 14% alcohol. Not showing a lot of depth, but a bit too much oak, this is still nicely done. Its structure is excellent. There's a real backbone and it is built to age. The only question is whether the modest mid-palate will cooperate in that process. It does have an extra layer of depth over the Tinta Francisca, also reviewed, but neither is truly very concentrated in this vintage. Overall, it may have just enough concentration to hold decently and it should have time to pull in the wood. It is very pretty in general and it may yet improve. There were 600 cases produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Mark Squires
More reviews and scores
Field blend of 40+ varieties. 50% new oak. Rich and ripe on the nose. Lots of dark charry flavour and very dark chocolate on the palate. Cool and elegant though the oak is a little too present at the moment. Finishes a little hard. (JH)
About the producer
Real Companhia Velha is the oldest wine company in Portugal, founded in 1756. It was initially entrusted with maintaining the quality and purity of Port wines coming from the Douro after counterfeiting and adulteration had discredited the region, leading to a significant drop in exports.