Mateus Nicolau de Almeida Trans-Douro-Express, Douro Superior 2022 – Douro

The wine has a deep ruby color. The nose offers accuracy, straightness and a beautiful concentration of fruit. It expresses notes of juicy and tangy black fruits (wild blackberry, morello cherry, crushed blueberry), sweet red fruits (crushed strawberry, raspberry coulis), associated with gourmet notes of dark chocolate, as well as a touch of freshness in aromas of dried rosemary, menthol and bay leaf. We also find spicy notes of liquorice, vanilla, coriander seeds and nutmeg, as well as a mineral touch (dry stone, graphite) in the background. The palate offers an open and juicy attack, a slightly tight mid-palate and a lingering finish, with good bitterness, refreshing acidity and gourmand fruity notes. Flavors on the palate are fruity and ripe; we find notes of wild strawberry, morello cherry, cranberry jam with a slight bitterness, crushed raspberry and crushed blackcurrant (or even crème de cassis), associated with enveloping touches of dark chocolate, grilled vanilla, cinnamon (in the background) and nutmeg. The finish offers a distinguished minerality (dry stone, graphite), juiciness, powdery notes of cocoa and gourmandise, which balance the tight but fine tannins.