Wine & Soul Quinta da Manoella Vieilles Vignes Douro Red | 2020 | 750ml

The 2020 Quinta da Manoella Vinhas Velhas is a field blend (over 30 grapes) from centenarian vines aged for 22 months in 35% new French oak. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. This seems a surprisingly good competitor for the 2019, although this is not quite as lauded a vintage. Still, the winery says they were able to pick the small production quickly, generally avoiding negative vintage conditions. This shows no problems. There is a fine backbone with controlled power, plus expressive and delicious fruit. This looks able to develop and age. At the moment, it needs more evolution, but there’s no rush.