QUINTA DO VALLADO, SOUSAO, RESERVA & VINTAGE PORT

DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL

To paraphrase The Most Interesting Man in the World: Friends, I don't often drink port, but when I do, I drink Quinta do Vallado.
 

And I’m sure as heck not the only one.
 

These are wines you think about long after you've taken your last sip, wines of such depth and dimension that you know you're not doing anything so ordinary as consuming a beverage: you're having an experience; you're being transported.
 

We are so fortunate to have recently secured a small allocation of three from their portfolio: their 97-point Vintage Port 2018; and two of their dry reds, the 94-point Douro Reserva 2019 and the 93-point Sousão 2020.
 

The estate has been family owned since 1716, when an intrepid woman named Doña Antonia Adelaide Ferreira was shrewd enough to see that buying up lots in the Douro amid an economic downturn was not the height of foolishness but in many ways its diametric opposite. Today, Ferreira is hailed as something of a secular saint in the region, and the estate is renowned across the globe by collectors and critics alike for the remarkable quality and consistency of its ports. To tour the postcard-perfect vineyards is to see a painstakingly detailed operation: two-thirds are planted in terraces with a single row of vines, and pruned according to the double cordon system. Old vines make up nearly 40% of the vineyards, which are at least 80 years old.
 

What separates these wines, produced under the direction of Francisco (‘Xito’) Olazabal Jr., of Quinta do Vale Meão, from the competition is that they're not merely delivery systems for inky dark intensity. These are beautifully crafted wines. Structure, finesse, precision — they're all here, in every bottle.
 

Listen to this 97-point rave from Wine Spectator, of the Vintage Port 2018, and you would never guess that it was describing a port: "Really vibrant, with bramble-laced blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry compote flavors driving along, while mouthwatering anise, violet and fruitcake accents add detail and sparkle throughout. Finish sports a gorgeous late kick of fruit and spice."

Or this, from The Wine Advocate, in its 94-point review of the Douro Reserva 2019, made from a "field blend"  that incorporates more than 30 grape varietals, all from vines that range from 60 to 100 years old) and aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak: "A very serious wine in a classic style. It also delivers fine fruit, although it is subtly concentrated, never jammy, candied or obvious. This has loads of potential. It should be drinking better around the middle of the decade. It looks like a wine that can easily go 20 years, maybe more."
 

Last but by no means least, we have their Sousão, which aged for 16 months in 15% new French barriques, and which The Wine Advocate, in its 93-point review, called "refined, persistent, and flavorful."
 

There you have it friends: three gorgeous long sippers, three different ways to add a little luxury to your day-to-day.
 

We can extend special Concierge Family pricing for the next week, but quantities are limited, so hurry!

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2022 (December 21, 2022 - March 21, 2023). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, September 25, 2022.

*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. 

If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement.

A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund.  No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.