2005 Chryseia, Douro

A joint venture between two of the great families of the wine world, the Symingtons of Portugal and the Prats of Bordeaux (Cos D'Estournel), the fruits of an incredibly hot vintage and the baked schistose soils of the Upper Douro, 70% made form Touriga Nacional, the balance from Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. Dense, episcopal of colour, young in extremis, yet the vanilla cherry exuberance is less marked than previously, the seriousness of intent indented early, with lapidary care. Fine tannins, full bodied, long and harmonious with the Bordeaux influence offering restraint and wisdom.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)