258. Castelinho, Douro Colheita Especial, 2000

€12.56; 13%

Recommended to me by the guy in The Corkscrew near Grafton Street, as something different. Opened up after a day, so I’d say needs decanting. Overall pretty good show of how Portugal’s still, unfortified wines are developing. Medium density ruby-garnet core with a narrow garnet rim. Plummy fruit core wrapped in toffee, coffee and paprika-type warm spice aromas, opening to some leather. Juicy, sweet plum fruit on entry with grippy tannin and notable acidity. Good length finish with cocoa & coffee notes. Would probably develop 2-3 more years.