Warre's Quinta Da Cavadinha 2005

Deep red centre with a crimson rim. Charming scents of ripe red fruits, lavender and dusty schist notes. The palate is generous with invigorating plummy, fleshy fruit and subtle cocoa nuances. The bottle age has melded the various elements, balancing the peppery tannins with the full, vinous black fruit flavours and the vibrant freshness. The lingering aftertaste reveals appealing tea-leaf notes.

The combination of a hot and dry micro-climate, coupled with a unique schist soil, provide the best conditions for growing and optimal ripening.

Average age of vines is between 20 to 30 years old. Traditional Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cão. The winter of 2001/2002 was very dry in the Douro, with records at Pinhão showing a rainfall between November and March 30% less than normal. The clear weather meant warm sunny days were followed by very cold nights, and the extreme fluctuations led to a later than normal budburst. April frost damaged some higher vineyards and reduced crops. The summer was dry but mild, with an average temperature of only 34 C in August. The vines weathered the summer surprisingly well, due to these mild temperatures, and a generally high level of water reserves from the previous wet winter. Heavy showers in late August were perfect to bring the fruit along, with grapes swelling, sugar readings rising and skins softening. Picking began fairly early, between 9 and 12 September with the grapes looking exceptionally good.

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