2020QuintadoJavali‘ClosFontedoSanto’CherryTreeVineyard,Douro,Portugal

<p>On my trip through Douro last spring, this red was the most surprising wine I tasted. Coming from one of the most severe vineyards Ive ever seen, planted to one of the appellations highest points, these wind whipped vines are on pure schists without any topsoil. Vines on broken shale, literally. You almost have to see the terrain to believe it. The work it takes to farm this makes almost no sense until you taste the wine which has no real comparison in the region. In an area making thunderous black fruited wines, this is a lightning bolt of red fruit and energy. A tribute to inspired farming in almost impossible conditions, it reads like fresh beautiful Pinot Noir with Portuguese sunshine poured into it.</p>