Aroma:
Very concentrated, with balsamic oak notes, fig and black plum aromas, tobacco.
Taste:
Full bodied, firm, mature and silky tannins. Mineral notes and a very elegant, persistent and complex finish.
Vinification:
Part of the grapes underwent the traditional process of foot-treading in granite "lagares". The remaining grapes were vinified in 5-ton stainless steel vats, with controlled temperature and periodical remontage.
Varieties:
Old vines, more than one hundred years old: 45 grape varieties with a predominance of Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca.
Ageing:
After the malolactic fermentation all the wines were racked into French oak barriques where they stayed for 18 months. 60% new barrels and 40% used barrels.
In the old times, a Douro vineyard held a muddle of any number of different local grapes. This wine, from 80-year-old vines, is a tribute to the old style of vineyard planting. It's firm, very concentrated and dark, with stunning tannins and rich fruit. The black plum-skin texture, superripe fruit, chocolate and final acidity are all developing slowly and impressively. Drink from 2018. - Wine Enthusiast Magazine 95 Points
Concentrated blueberry and blackberry flavors are supported by fresh acidity and firm tannins. The Asian spice notes are intense, lingering into the powerful, mineral-laden finish. Drink now through 2019. 3,600 cases made.–KM - Wine Spectator Magazine 91 Points
The 2012 Reserva is Vallado's old-vines field blend, aged for 18 months in French barriques (55% new, 45% used). It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. Beautifully focused and gently structured, this shows some hints of complexity even in its youth. It is very well-balanced, a graceful and elegant wine that may add just a little more depth to the Touriga Nacional bottling reviewed this issue, although it may not have its personality. Admittedly, I was a bit concerned at the modest demeanor and mid-palate concentration early on, but it did flesh out nicely and showed the ability to improve with 30-45 minutes of air, finally demonstrating a little substance to go with its finesse and harmony. Overall, this is quite lovely. There were 7,250 six-packs produced. - Robert Parker 90 Points