QUINTA DA ROMANEIRA
Doura, Portugal
Christian Seely purchased Romaneira in 2004 with plans to put the winery shoulder to shoulder with the Douro’s top names in terms of reputation and quality. Seely and winemaker Antonio Agrellos understand what such ambition means – They are the dynamic duo behind the much celebrated rebirth of another great property, Quinta do Noval (which sits literally next door), which they’ve operated for the past twenty years. The 1,100 acre spread of Quinta da Romaneira is widely considered one of the Douro Valley’s most breathtaking estates. The winery began producing port in 1872, but was not legally allowed to bottle under its own name until 1986 when DO changes gave single quintas the authority to do so. That’s when the local Portuguese were able to have more say in how the wines of their country were being developed and promoted.
Indicating the Bordeaux influence behind the winemaking, this Petit Verdot, one in the range of limited production single-variety wines, brings out its structure as well as dense black fruits. A superrich, ageworthy wine. Drink from 2023. WE 93
Amid the welter of different wines from this producer, there is a structure at the heart of the range. This wine is the real second wine of the estate. It is dense, still young with acidity as well as black fruits. WE 91
This is a wine that has been made for aging. Its dense blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca brings together tannins and dark black plum fruits in a firm structure. The wine has weight as well as richness from the wood-aged fruits. Drink from 2022. WE 95+
From a spectacular Douro quinta, this wine is structured with dark tannins and rich with black-currant and berry fruits. The acidity, dry core and firm texture testify to the wine's aging ability. Drink this wine from 2021. WE 95
The blend of seven grape varieties creates a harmonious wine with its dark tannins and richly perfumed character. Spicy and fruity, still structured but softening, this is going to be a fine wine that is beginning to really show from 2024. A lovely complex classic Douro Valley field blend. WE 93
A good mineral backbone with some satisfying roundness in the mouth. Fine aromatic nose that will open up in the glass, with some wild floral and round baked fruit notes. Lovely structure. To drink today, but may age well in bottle for several years to come. JS 93
A real single quinta LBV, because all grapes come from our own vineyards - a special feature in the Douro. Deep ruby red Port with an intense scent of black currant, blackberry and cedar wood. Powerful, full and mildly sweet in taste with jammy fruit, ripe tannins and balanced freshness. The finale is long with raisins and smoky oak. Wonderful with a cheese plate or as a dessert wine.
This wine aged 20 months in wooden barrels in the cellars of the Quinta before bottling. It will continue to age in bottle for decades to come, but is at a great spot where it is full of the complexity and bouquet characteristic of a Vintage. Excellent deep purple-ruby colour. Superb aromatic personality with abundant spice and wild Douro flowers notes, fig, mint, black plum and dark chocolate flavours that explode in the mouth. Sweet, full-bodied with a great round tannic structure and balance that ends in a very long and lingering finish.
Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate rim lightening. Blackberry fruit with a delicate floral underlay, a hint of cassis and candied violets, fresh orange zest, attractive bouquet. Juicy, red berry nuances, fine, mature tannins, good freshness, sweet finish, lively, peppery finish, very good vintage character, definite development potential.
This is one of the finest 40 year old tawny ports ever, with a rich and profound aroma of roasted almond, mint, spice, and blessed with an almost madeira-like profile. The full-bodied palate is unctuous and endowed with depth, featuring a seam of wonderful acidity that dances around the rich and sweet notes. The finish is exceptional, in length and dimension, with no apparent end.
The 2011 Quinta de la Romaneira consists of 80% Touriga Nacional. It has an open, more approachable bouquet compared to the Quinta do Noval, with clove and dry tobacco infusing the carapace of black fruit, and hints of iodine developing with aeration. The palate is very smooth on the entry with a dash of white pepper and ginger. It is very harmonious with a slightly viscous mouthfeel and a beguiling gentle build to its marmalade-infused finish.
Very fresh aromas of oranges, violets and fresh black cherries. Some slate. Full-bodied with firm and fine tannins that run the length of the port. Light on its feet, but not shy in any way – lovely, long and beautifully poised.
A dense and perfumed estate wine that has ripe tannins under the black fruits. The minerality adds texture as well as a succulent character. This wine is beginning to drink well and will go solidly for another decade or two. WE 93