Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa 2005

Lobenberg: Über 20 Rebsorten aus über 80-100 Jahre alten Stöcken! Portugals vielleicht bester Wein, zumindest jedoch unter den Top 3! Deutliche Beerenaromen, kräftiges neues Holz, kräftiges Tanningerüst, hoher Alkoholgrad und klassische Wärme. Fast zuviel von allem! Und doch ein Musterbeispiel für Eleganz. In der Jugend alles noch versteckend, erinnert ungemein an Chateau Margaux mit der unglaublichen, ganz unterschwelligen Kraft und diesem verschleiernden Überbau von purer Finesse. Das ist Trinkfreude in Perfektion. Beeindruckend!

Parker: RP: The 2005 VINHA MARIA TERESA, sourced from vines generally exceeding 90 years in age, is one of Portugal's most prestigious and sought after bottlings. It is usually Crasto's most hedonistic wine, bursting with flavor—yet also beautifully structured, elegant and built to last. The hedonism remains here, although it is a much lighter, smaller scaled wine than the '03. The best feature of this wine is, hands down, the aromatics. You could simply sit there and smell it and be happy. The fruit is gorgeous, sweet and delectable, yet surrounded by ripe tannins that make it seem like a graceful, Burgundian-styled wine, an impression reinforced by its elegant mid-palate. There were moments when I thought this was a bit too delicate and understated for its status. Once you taste the delectable fruit, though, intellectual evaluation may not be your first priority. You will simply be more interested in having another glass. While this does not have the power and depth of the last release, the 2003, nor its persistence, it has many charms of its own, including unforgettably delicious fruit, and arguably better balance. It is ethereal and delicate, but often quite amazing. It could use a couple of years to settle down, but it is surprisingly approachable at the moment. Expect to be impressed with finesse, not power. If you're looking for a big, thick fruit bomb—this is not it.