The 2000 Duas Quintas Reserva is a blend of Touriga Nacional (50%), Touriga Francesa (30%), Tinta Barroca (10%) and Tinta Roriz (10%). About 80% of the wine aged in French 225-liter barriques (new, one- and two-years-old) for 12 months. This Reserva is revisited this issue as part of our vertical. This was one that I have seen before and thought was a bit disappointing originally. The good news is that it has acquired a lot more gravitas. The oak still seems prominent and it still seems to have that exuberant flavor nuance in the middle, partly oak. It is otherwise gorgeously constructed, bright, silky, and graceful with a lingering and powerful finish. It came together well with aeration. I can't say that this is my favorite in the group, but it is undeniably aging beautifully. It kept getting better as it opened, becoming more complex and multi-faceted. It has proven that it has a long life ahead, too.

Shows plenty of dark fruit aromas and flavors, with notes reminiscent of blueberry pie and black cherries, picking up subtle shadings of black pepper, cinnamon and clove. Chewy yet supple, its long finish is filled with soft tannins.——W.E.(10/1/2004)—— 90