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Douro Red Vinha do Rio
-- Internet: -- Parker: The 2011 Vinha do Rio (Quinta Vale d. Maria), the latest iteration in this new special parcel bottling (its name translates as River Vines, more or less) is an old vines (85 years) field blend aged in new French oak for 21 months. If the CV is probably the biggest wine here, this has by far the most pungent smell. That’s not necessarily a pejorative, but on my first swirls, I might’ve said “Port.” It seems surprisingly restrained otherwise, relatively well integrated in tannins, dense and not overly lively. It has a certain, stolid feel to it at times. Yet, this grew on me with aeration and showed more nicely the next day – although hardly changed at first. It took a long, long time to wake up, always seeming a bit stolid. When it did finally show some life, the alcohol was burbling in the background, but not overly intrusive. It certainly seems to be the most unusual of the offerings here. It grew on me, but I suspect it will be the most divisive wine in the group. It will be more interesting with this than most to see what happens to it in the cellar. There were just 1,900 bottles produced, plus some large format bottles. I’m advised that a mere 24 bottles will be sent to the USA in late 2013. 92+/100 -- WE: From old wines near the river that runs through the Val Dona Maria vineyards, this is a superbly intense wine. It has a great structure, dark plum fruits and already a fine balance. Big and bold its power is balanced with elegance, some freshness and a great potential. 96/100
