Deep ruby black, narrow purple red rim. Fine, complex black fruit nose, jammy, strawberry and cherry. Nicely balanced palate with volume but firm tannins. Attractive fruit flavour, a little closed up still, but a very fine wine.
Quinta da Roêda forms a vast sweep of terraced vineyard located on the north bank of the Douro just upstream from the village of Pinhão. The estate has long been regarded as one of the finest in the Douro Valley. The estate was acquired by Croft in 1889 and was extensively renovated by the firm, with replanting continuing throughout the first half of the 20th century. Since Croft’s return to family ownership, with its incorporation into The Fladgate Partnership, the property has again been the source of major investment. This includes the building of traditional lagares allowing the reintroduction of foot treading, still unsurpassed as a method of extraction for Vintage Ports. The character of Croft Vintage Ports is one of the most individual of all. Scented, exotic and crammed with luscious opulent fruit flavour, they develop great richness and complexity with age. Quinta da Roêda is at the heart of this distinctive house style and in years when Croft do not declare a vintage Port, they may choose to select the best wines from Roêda and bottle a Qunita da Roêda Port, this expresses the purity of the unique Roêda terrior.
Single Quinta wines need decanting as they are usually a decade old, and will throw a sediment as they age. Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Vintage Port, along with rich flavoured cheeses such as Silton and dried fruits. Equally enjoyable drunk on its own.