Teeling Sommelier Selection Douro Old Vines Finish

So far, the Teeling releases in the so-called Sommerlier Selection have all appealed to me. Especially the Recioto that I just tasted and the Sauternes that I tasted at the beginning of this year, I really liked. I didn't need much conviction to receive a sample from Benny of this Douro Old Vines finish. Douro of course refers to the region in Portugal where those delicious port and other red wines come from. The Teeling malt was allowed to spend no less than 14 months in such barrels. Douro Old Vines is a wine produced with grapes that grow on vines of at least 25 years old.

The nose is delicious on plums, dates, raisins and blood orange, sprinkled with that light brown Graeffe sugar that Flemings like to sprinkle on their pancakes. In the background some earthy notes with a soft spiciness.

Despite the fact that the body is a bit on the light side, the taste is also quite intense. The dark fruit of the nose returns, supplemented with juicy cherries and a lot of spices. Think cloves and black pepper. A nice acid note like grapefruit pops up, while something floral flirts with the taste buds. Delicious.

And even the finish is intense. Ha! I have a title. The dark fruit remains wrapped in a spicy blanket, while the tannins slowly but surely dry the mouth.

Hooray! We have a new favorite in the Sommelier Selection. It goes great with both a cheese plate and a dessert with nuts and chocolate.