The wines of Quinta do Crasto, Douro

New Douro 2004 tasting
The wines of Quinta do Crasto

Q da Crasto, 5060-063 Gouvinhas, Sabrosa, Portugal
Tel: +351 22610 5493
E-mail: crasto@mail.telepac.pt

The wonderfully situated Quinta do Crasto is located in the heart of the Cima Corgo. This 130 hectare property has some impressive vineyards, including two—Vinha da Ponte and Maria Theresa—which are used to make single vineyard wines.

Crasto was an early star in the new Douro revolution, and began making table wines in the mid-1990s. Initially wines were made under the guidance of Aussie David Baverstock, but subsequently another Aussie, Dominic Miller, has been overseeing things.

I’ve criticized these wines in the past for being (IMO) a bit spoofy—some of them have shown excessive levels of new oak and rather in-yer-face fruit. But with 2004, there seems to have been a welcome change of direction, and I was really impressed with the three wines here, which were all tasted on two separate occasions.

Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva 2004
Nice definition to the ripe black fruits nose, which is sweet but not overdone. The palate shows lovely primary fruit and some spicy structure. Quite chunky, but deliciously focused. Very good/excellent 91/100

Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2004
This kicks off with a big crunchy dark fruits nose that’s quite floral, but with some beefy, meaty notes too. The palate shows an impressive concentration of dark fruit that’s not overly sweet. A big wine in every way, but still quite fresh. Very good/excellent 93/100

Quinta do Crasto Vinha da Ponte 2004
This impresssive wine has a rich open nose of spicy red and black fruits. The palate is supple and elegant with good acidity and structure. Not too big, in a lovely, spicy style. This is an elegant wine with a bright future ahead of it. Modern styled but quite delicious. Very good/excellent 94/100