Vargellas Vinha Velha2000

Full-bodied, relative to this elegant vertical, this also is one of the most delicious in the group, lush, sexy and irresistible. There are touches of chocolate and a long finish. It is just a bit more mature than the 1997, but certainly far, far more expressive while still showing impeccable balance. It is still youthful enough to tighten with air, though. There is brilliant structure to go with brilliant fruit. A couple of hours after being poured, it was better than my first taste. This was one of my favorites, one of the greats of this vertical. The only argument here that anyone can have is how great it is. Right at the moment, I'm thinking "pretty great." This is also a good time to approach it. It has a long life ahead, but it is sexy and succulent now.

Taylor Fladgate`s Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha gives most of the top wines of 1994 a run for their money.

“The hue of this wine takes dark and inky to a new level – and this wines intensity is not confined to its colour. This is simply huge in every way, yet because every component is in proportion, the balance is impeccable. Incredibly rich, dense fruit picks up hints of tar and chocolate, while the finish lasts for what must be minutes. Hold.”

“This ’00 Vargellas Vinha Velha is one of the great wines of the vintage, all red spice and red fruit when first opened, broadening to a far, fleshy potency with several hours of air. A day later, the dark sherry flavour and mineral component have only strengthened, along with a pure esteva character that seems to grow right out of the tannic grip. Five days later, the wine is still delicious, a demonstration of its potential longevity”