Quinta da Romaneira Late Bottled Vintage Port 2018

Quinta da Romaneira is the second prestigious project in the Douro by wine personality Christian Seely. He was previously responsible for the renaissance of the top estate Quinta do Noval. In 2004, he became co-owner of Romaneira, the Douro's second-largest winery. He has dedicated himself to elevating this historic estate, with its breathtaking terraced vineyards, to the level of the Douro's finest.

His remarkable success is evident in both the beautiful red and white wines and the impressive Ports of Romaneira. Take, for example, this stunning Late Bottled Vintage, made from the typical Douro grapes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinto Cão. A true single quinta LBV, as all the grapes are sourced from their own vineyards – a rarity in the Douro.

 

Once harvested, the grapes are trodden by foot in traditional lagares for optimal extraction of color and tannin. But with a modern twist: while these vats were traditionally made of stone, Christian Seely had them made of stainless steel to control the must's temperature. After fermentation, winemaker Carlos Agrellos ages the LBV for sixty months in chestnut and oak barrels.

The result is a classic and exceptionally beautiful Late Bottled Vintage, with notes of fresh and dried fruit and spices, and a velvety yet powerful structure. To preserve as much of the flavor as possible, the wine was bottled unfiltered. Therefore, the bottle may still contain some sediment. Enjoy this beautiful Port in its youth or after a few years of bottle aging, paired with cheese, a dessert, or simply after a meal. Decanting is recommended.

 

Drinking at

Wonderful with a cheese platter or as a dessert wine.

 

Tasting note

Deep ruby-red Port with intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cedarwood. Powerful, full-bodied, and mildly sweet with jammy fruit, ripe tannins, and balanced freshness. The finish is long with notes of raisins and smoky oak.

 

Shelf life

Easily kept for 2-3 weeks after opening, unopened for at least 10 years after harvest.