2009 Lemos & Van Zeller Quinta Vale D.Maria (96 pts Wine Advocate)

Cristiano Van Zeller hails from a family with deep roots in the Douro.  His family was one of the founding members of Quinta do Noval.  Quinta Vale d. Maria is his wife's family's property.  2009 was a superb year in the Douro and Mark Squires from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate recently called the 2009 Quinta Vale D. Maria "a contender for wine of the vintage".  That is serious praise coming from a reviewer who often is known more for his hesitation for scoring wines high on the 100 point scale.

96 points Wine Advocate, "This year, it has a sexiness to it that is captivating. Yet, that is certainly not all it has. The structure is impressive as is the balance, although it may need a few years to get where it’s going. The tannins are obvious, sometimes hard edged, but they are ultimately going to integrate. In its youth, the oak is also a touch obvious, but it is equally clear that will integrate, too. This seemed easy to categorize early on as sexy, ripe and tasty. There is tremendous potential here, mostly submerged at the moment. For every 15 minute interval it was open, it changed and got better. Put this in the cellar and come back in 5-6 years. Let it show you what it has. It will be a contender for one of the best Vale D. Marias. It will be a contender for wine of the vintage. It is tremendous."