Quinta de la Rosa ‘Late Bottled Vintage’ Port 2012
Grape Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Sousão & Tinta Roriz
Growing Region: Pinhão - Douro Valley - Portugal
Head Winemaker: Jorge Moreira
4 Stars ★★★★
This 2012 LBV Port was crafted from traditional varietals, sourced from La Rosa’s ‘A’ graded vineyards. Quinta de La Rosa Ports are typically made slightly drier than many expressions - without any cloying sweetness associated with some ports. Jorge also works hard to sure the grape spirit is well integrated into the finished blend.
When you taste a Port from Jorge, you can taste a harmony and a definite expression of their vineyards along with allowing their quality grapes express themselves in the Port. Jorge crafts well defined wines without too much extraction, tannins and use of oak.
From a difficult vintage, the yields were initially low - along with a lack of rain during the growing season meant the grapes were small and concentrated and took longer to mature. They started picking late and slowly (from the 16th September). Jorge is always very selective at harvest time and consequently the grapes that came into the winery were in prime condition. It rained on 23rd and 25th September so they stopped picking for a week and resumed only when the effects of the rain had ended.
At La Rosa - they practice sustainable viticulture and wine respectful vinification They don’t use genetically modified organisms nor do they use animal products during the fining of their Ports and wines.
This 2012 LBV Port was matured in large wooden casks called ‘Tonels’ in their lodge for around 4 years until ready for bottling, which was in April 2016. A key detail should stated, that unlike most port shippers, all their Ports are aged and bottled at La Rosa and not in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, ensuring an added touch of quality from grape to bottle.
• In your glass, you will be greeted by an intense red colour with a magenta hue. On the nose the dark berries are subtle but intriguingly inviting. Once on the palate, your senses are engaging with fabulous dark fruits, black cherries and blackcurrant fruit flavours. This port has a great richness on the palate whilst at the same time exhibiting a wonderful balance and freshness with dried figs, cacao and coffee notes on a long finish.
The LBV Port gives immense pleasure for immediate drinking - it opened enjoy within 7 days. This Port has not been filtered and might throw a light sediment if aged.
This 2012 Quinta de la Rosa 'Late Bottled Vintage' has 20% Alc./vol. and has 101g/L residual sugar. No decanting required, and serve in an appropriate shaped glass at 11°- 12°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 24/07/2017)
No decanting required, drinking perfectly this coming season; plus, if not opened will age well for another 10 - 12 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with dark chocolate, coffee and berry desserts, steamed puddings with a rich sauce and very enjoyable with figs and aged blue cheeses - enjoy.
