Country: Portugal Region: DouroVarietal: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta AmarelaColour: Red  Style: FortifiedProducer: Taylor Fladgate Description: Quinta de Vargellas consists of a sweeping amphitheatre of terraced vineyard facing north over the Douro river. On the steep slopes overlooking the riverbank to the west of the winery stand the property’s earliest walled terraces. These contain some of the oldest vines on the estate, many planted over eighty years ago. Although their yield is extremely small, contributing only a modest proportion of the production of the Vargellas estate, these ancient vines produce wines of great concentration, power and richness of flavour. At the 2004 harvest it was decided to single out the best vines of the vinha velha and pick their grapes separately. Less than four pipes of this wine were produced. This rare wine represents the quintessence of one of world’s great vineyards. Notes on Viticultural Year and Harvest The 2003/2004 winter was very dry, having only rained 1/3 of the quantity registered the previous winter. The lack of water during the early part of the growing season led to very little pressure from disease. Our concern in July was mainly one of doubting the vines capacity to ripen the grapes due to the drastic shortage of water. The vintage stood out for the perfect weather conditions for the whole period. Tasting Note:  Massively concentrated wine with intense black fruit and dark bitter chocolate aromas. Gives the impression of an enormous brooding wine waiting to express itself. Fills the mouth to bursting – almost overwhelming in its intensity. An array of flavours then hit the senses – dark bitter chocolate, ripe, rich black plum, cherry, blueberries and blackberry jam. The wine is chewy, fleshy, full of grip. Although the structure is big the balance is finely tuned, so the sensation is of a wine with enormous force, but also great finesse and elegance. Flavours of cassis, blackberries, liquorice and molasses tantalize the palate, with a finish that is deliciously and pleasingly long FOOD PAIRING Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Vintage Port, as are blue veined and other richly flavoured cheeses. So too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Alternatively, simply savour the rich and complex flavours of the wine on their own in a generously proportioned glass with good company.