2014 was an exceptional vintage in the Douro, giving Sottomayor a difficult decision as whether to declare the wine a Barca Velha or a Reserva Especial. In December 2022, he opted for the latter. The hand-harvested grapes were destemmed, rigorously sorted and then co-fermented in stainless steel before ageing for 18 months in French barrels (75% new). The final blend was composed from the very best barrels. It was then bottled without fining and only received a gentle filtration. As for the wine, it has a deep, saturated colour and a supremely expressive floral and fruit-driven nose. On the palate it brims with flavours of sweet blue and black fruits, (cherry in particular) as well as black pepper, chocolate, iris, tobacco hints, ginger and orange peel. The oak is seamless at this stage and frames the wine’s superb mouthfeel and texture, as do the sweet, gliding tannins. Also present is a great spine of acidity perfectly balanced with the vibrant fruit and structure. The persistent finish is equally admirable. This wine is drinking now and will age and improve for many years to come. Given its impeccable style and quality, this must have been close to being a Barca Velha.

A lovely notion of camomile and dried hay flowers appears even before the caramelised red fruit. Melted vanilla laces dark black fruit. Brooding and overwhelming, firm and structured with some heat, but very well done. Mouthwatering and fresh. Nominated by Sarah Ahmed.

The latest release and the second wine of Barca Velha. Complex, developed aroma of sweet damson and blueberry fruit shading into darker-fruited and more savoury notes. Just slightly charry. Still incredibly youthful. Very firm, dry, grainy tannins. Already complex but this is really not showing its full complexity yet even if you could approach it now with food. A sour freshness creeps out of the thick tannins. Wait. (JH)