Given the continuing wave of high-quality dry red and white wine producers coming out of Portugal's Douro Valley, the latter is a region we're now even more excited about. In short, Douro is about more than Port. Colinas do Douro's Reserva Tinto showcases an elegant example of the fabulous table wines to be had from where fortified cuvées have traditionally reigned.

Lucious, spicy, fruit-forward, with silky structure, freshness and grip, the Reservas blend of regional Port varietals makes for a dazzling alternative to more familiar appellations. The Colinas do Douro - the Douro Hills - are in the Extreme Southeast of the Douro Demarcated Region, where Quinta da Extrema is part of a vast property with four contiguous farms that make up 476 hectares, belonging to the Douro Colinas Socieda de Agrícola. Here, native Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Câo, Tinta Roriz and Sousão go into the elegant, fresh, minerally, ageworthy reds they produce.  

How does the wine taste?
Aromas of sweet, dark forest fruit, bitter chocolate and brambly spice jostle for your attention, there's so much going on, but the intensity and youthful nature of the wine makes separating the elements even more challenging. There is a notable relaxation following a little time in the decanter as it spreads its wings and notes of savoury caramel and sweet oak emerge. The palate is in sync with the aromatic extravagance which preceded it; sweet blackcurrant dominates initially with warming autumnal fruit hints of star anise, liquorice a hint of vanilla and waring cedar from time on oak barrel. The ripe sweet dark fruit envelopes the tannins which have a velvety texture to them with sweet mulberry and spice hanging on the palate as the gentle grip subsides.