The
wines of Quinta do Passadouro, Douro, Portugal
UK agent Richards Walford (karen@r-w.co.uk)
Dieter Bohrmann purchased Quinta do Passadouro (above)
in 1991, in collaboration with Dirk Niepoort. Their partnership ended
a year ago, and now Dirk’s ex-winemaker Jorge Borges is in charge of
the winemaking here. Jorge is aiming to get more fruit into the wines,
but at the same time achieving more elegance.
It’s a beautifully situated property in the Cima
Corgo of the Douro, with 16 hectares of vines varying in age from
4–70 years, and more plantings coming on line. Principal varieties
grown include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão
(a dark-fleshed ‘teinturier’ variety), but as with much of the
Douro there are lesser quantities of a wide range of grapes mixed
together in the older vineyards.
The wines are pretty good. Guide retail prices are
given.
Quinta do Passadouro 2002
Quite an assertive savoury red fruits nose with a spicy edge –
characteristic of many 2002s in the Douro. Quite refined. The palate
is savoury and full with nice fruit quality and a firm, spicy, savoury
edge. Good acid with drying tannins on the finish. Very good/excellent
90/100 (£12.99)
Quinta do Passadouro 2003
Spicy, structured nose of sweet red fruits with a savoury, spicy
edge. The palate is smoothand balanced with a nice savoury edge to the
structured, dusty tannin palate. A well balanced savoury red of real
charm and refinement. Very good/excellent 91/100
(£12.99)
Quinta do Passadouro Reserva 2003
From a single 60 year old vineyard in the property. Lovely
intense, dark, spicy ripe chocolatey nose is sweet and exotic. The
palate is concentrated, rich and supple with great intensity and
concentrations. Structure from fine tannins, this is a full wine with
a chocolatey finish. Very good/excellent 93/100 (£25)
see
also: Douro series
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