Vasques de Carvalho – Velhos Bardos 2013, Reserva – Douro

The nose is aromatic, fruity and offers a small juiciness, a beautiful grain as well as a small power and a slight gourmand side. It reveals notes of cassis, ripe blackberry and small notes of ripe wild strawberry combined with touches of ripe berry, ripe plum, hints of spices, eucalyptus, Cuben pepper, tonka bean as well as a very discreet hint of black olive/ scrubland, tea and nutmeg. The palate is fruity, juicy, well-balanced, well-structured and offers a good definition, a mineral frame, tension, a small concentration as well as a good and slightly tight grain. On the palate this wine expresses notes of black cherry, very ripe cassis, blackberry and small notes of ripe strawberry, plum associated with touches of liquorice, tonka bean / mocha, hints of eucalyptus, vanilla, caramelization as well as a very discreet hint of cardamom, black olive and an imperceptible hint of Sichuan pepper (in the background). Tannins are well-built, structuring and very slightly firm.