If ever a wine was cast in the Mount Rushmore mould, though, it's Paul Reynolds' Quinta dos Macedos... this ancient vineyard, planted in 1920, produces tiny yields of intensely concentrated grapes that truly have the cluster-bomb quality that has always been the hallmark of vintage port. The tannins make no sense at all without something like roast kid to go with the wine, and the wine is so furiously extractive and brontosaurus-like that part of me considers it incomprehensible - yet I just can't forget its singular beauty, either. The latest release is the 2002 (£20 from Raymond Reynolds); there is also a slightly lighter, more fragrant Lagar de Macedos (£17) as well as the simpler, fruitier yet hugely appealing 2003 Pinga de Torto (£9.99)
(Andrew Jefford / Financial Times - August 12, 2006)
Pinga do Torto 2003
Quinta de Macedos used to sell most of the produce from the seven hectares of terraced vineyards to various major port houses. That changed in 2000, when new owner Paul Reynolds switched to making high-class table wines. Pinga, meaning something with lots of character, is the baby of the range, made from young-vine Touriga Nacional, with some older Macedos fruit for backbone, and aged for five months in barrel. It has emerged in rude health, with ruddy berry fruit, spicy vanilla and liquorice flavours and a friendly finish. Definitely a zinger, not a minger.
(Wine and Spirits Magazine - May 2006)
Awards
2005
Pinga do Torto 2003 - Bronze Medal - International Wine Challenge
Lagar de Macedos 2000 - "Wines of Portugal 2005" - J.P Martins - Best Wines of the Year.
2004
Lagar de Macedos 2000 - Bronze Medal - International Wine Challenge
Quinta de Macedos 2000 - "Wines of Portugal 2004" - J.P Martins - Best Wines of the Year.
