Vinha da Ponte 2007 Crasto

Avis professionnels

Robert Parker (95)

The 2007 VINHA DA PONTE, from 90 year old vines, seems to me to be the most successful of Crasto’s wines this year, and it is one of the most interesting wines in the Douro’s 2007 vintage. A bit too oaky on opening, it also shows firm tannins and serious grip on the finish. Its velvety texture is sensual and the fruit is delicious, rich and opulent, yet well supported by those firm tannins. It drank better the next day, noting that the oak was still a bit troublesome. As with all of the young wines here, the oak does need to integrate better for this score to be justified. This wine, with a serious backbone that keeps getting more serious with air, should have a long enough life span so that the oak can integrate well, and it has the potential to be great. It seems to me to have just a bit more of an upside than the Reserva Old Vines, although the Reserva will likely drink better young. All that said, given the price here, one has to note that the Reserva Old Vines holds up to this bottling, and it comes in at a fraction of the price. In this economy, many find it necessary to trade down. In this vintage, it is easy to trade down, both at Crasto and elsewhere in the Douro, and do quite well.

Winespectator (96)

Very rich and balanced, with a deep well of dark plum, kirsch and spiced cherry flavors joined by decadent Asian spice and mocha notes. This shows plenty of grip on the finish, which lingers with cocoa powder and cream.

BOW (8.25)