Last night was one of the first evenings, in quite some time, that we took a big break away from drinking La Rioja wines. Sigh…it felt magical to take a massive step to the right and look adoringly at the bottle of 2005 Quinta do Vale Meão sitting regally alongside my red wine braised pork cheeks and steamed artichokes. And although we’ve had this wine before with Francisco Javier de Olazabal in Oporto last February, it was lovely to have a moment where we could enjoy a Portuguese treasure.

Quinta do Vale Meão has fashioned a remarkable reputation for itself since its inception in 1877. Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira originally bought the 270 hectares of land in the Douro Superior, which were later placed under the massive Sogrape umbrella. Dona Antónia’s great grandson, Francisco Javier de Olazabal, has now taken control of the 65 hectares, which are comprised of various soil types including, granite and alluvial gravel.

The 2005 Quinta do Vale Meão shows gorgeous and dense floral and chocolate notes, a complex and concentrated mouthfeel, and a long, luxurious finish. This is a fantastic wine!

Gabriella

Dark and vibrant blood red, clean in color with an intense radiance. I’m swooning right now, as the nose is just brimming with absolutely beautiful aromas of violet, pure liquid chocolate, anise, tar, wet earth, cinnamon, raw meat, etc. etc. etc. The layers and intricate nuances in the bouquet are so intense and profound that it’s almost impossible to take my nose out of this glass. In the mouth, the wine …