2011

The winter preceding the 2011 harvest was wetter and colder than the 30-year average. Budburst occurred as usual in mid March and warm weather and rainfall in April produced vigorous growth. At the beginning of May dry conditions set in and there was little rainfall in eastern areas of the Douro until late August. However the vines were able to draw from the plentiful ground water reserves built up during the previous winter and bunches developed and ripened in ideal conditions. Véraison occurred a little earlier than usual on 15th June. Mild weather in June and July was broken only by a heat wave in the second half of June.  August was hot and dry, with perfectly timed rainfall on 21st August and 1st September rounding off an excellent ripening season and producing a well balanced crop.

Quinta de Vargellas, in the Douro Superior, was the first Taylor property to start harvesting on 10th September.  Here as elsewhere the crop showed high sugar levels balanced by excellent acidity.  In the Pinhão Valley, harvesting starting at Quinta do Junco and in the upper part of Quinta de Terra Feita on 14th September and in the lower part of Terra Feita the following day.  Fermentations were long, allowing balanced and complete extraction, and musts displayed intense colour and powerful fruit character from the outset.

Intense purple black colour. As usual with Vinha Velha the wine delivers multiple layers of aroma and flavour. The nose is marked by a complex fruitiness, blending aromas of blackcurrant, plum and blackberry. This is overlaid with nuances of dark chocolate, exotic wood and black pepper and a mantle of delicate floral scent. Although the nose is expressive, there is plenty of depth and background hinting at aromas still to emerge with time. The palate is in perfect balance and supported by a dense weave of sinewy tannin. A burst of fresh berry fruit flavour lingers on the finish.