2005 Douro Red Cuvee Adelaide

The 2005 Adelaide Old Vines is a field blend (over 30 grapes, such as Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca and others) from old vines, many centenarian, all over 80 years in age. It was aged for 20 months in new French oak and comes in at 15% alcohol. This was simply gorgeous when first poured, another 2005 that, as it has matured, made me say that the vintage is generally underrated. It showed caressing, sensual texture, fine concentration and a long finish. It is still vibrant, although the tannins have moderated to a point where you could drink this now without an issue. The fruit seemed mature but still in prime time. That initial impression did not hold all the time. After 90 minutes of air, there were times when I thought I saw a crack or two, perhaps a hint of nail polish as well. It wasn't quite as young anymore. That said, when I went to get a fresh pour, it seemed fine again. This is very dry and features darker flavors. It is often brilliant, but I'm not sure how the expression of fruit will hold up as it ages. It should still have a decade of life left, at the least. There were 2,000 bottles produced.