2018 Wine Drops Douro Somnium

Community Tasting Notes (1) Avg Score: 92 points

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  10/26/2021 - forceberry wrote: 92 Points

  The grapes are sourced from two 70-yo parcels in Porrais, Cima Corgo, Douro. These vineyards are field blends that mainly grow Códega do Larinho and Rabigato, but also include Donselinho Branco, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Folgazão and Viosinho. Fermented in French oak barriques, aged in the same oak barriques for 12 months, then all blended together and left to marry in stainless steel tanks for another 6 months. 13% alcohol.
  
  Youthful and quite pale yellow-green color. Fragrant, slightly sweet-toned nose with layered aromas of ripe apricots, some creamy oak tones, a little bit of vanilla pod, light crunchy notes of fresh golden apples, exotic hints of cantaloupe and pineapple and a touch of pear cobbler. The wine is rich and full-bodied with an enjoyably concentrated overall feel, probably thanks to the old vine fruit. There are vibrant flavors of cantaloupe and apricots, some creamy oak, light sweet notes of apple jam, a little bit of vanilla pod, a sappy hint of herbal spice and a touch of stony minerality. The mouthfeel is slightly viscous and oily and the medium-plus acidity keeps the wine rather balanced. but doesn't contribute that much to freshness. The finish is long, rich and quite complex with layered flavors of pineapple, creamy oak, some cantaloupe, light spicy notes of savory wood, a little bit of stony minerality, a sweet hint of apple jam and a touch of vanilla.
  
  A rich, broad and quite substantial white with good sense of concentration and some obvious - but not excessive or distracting - oak influence. I poured the wine blind and people went almost immediately to Northern Rhône with this - most likely due to the full body and oily mouthfeel, apricot-driven fruit notes and well-managed oak. After it became clear that it wasn't Northern Rhône, people started suggesting hot-vintage Burgundy - one even commented how the wine was "so French" it seemed impossible to guess anything outside France. It really took some guessing before somebody finally managed to correctly guess Douro! All in all, this is an impressive and complex white that feels not unlike a Portuguese counterpart of a good Condrieu or white Hermitage. Although I would prefer a bit higher acidity, this was nevertheless a very balanced and thoroughly enjoyable effort, never feeling heavy or ponderous. Based on its still very youthful overall character, I'd say this wine will continue to develop and improve for many years more. I'd love to revisit this wine in ten years or so, just to see into which direction this kind of rich and complex Rhône/Burgundy white goes. Solid value at 22,33€.

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