Casa Ferreirinha, Barca-Velha, Douro, Portugal 2011

Barca Velha 2011 stands as a monumental achievement in Portuguese winemaking, representing the zenith of Casa Ferreirinha's dedication to crafting exceptional Douro table wines. This remarkable vintage, declared after careful consideration in 2019, brings together noble varieties from the estate's finest plots at Quinta da Leda and the elevated vineyards of Quinta do Sairrão.

18+ Jancis Robinson
'Very, very dark, black almost to the smudgy black-cherry rim. Marked eucalyptus character on the nose and black-fruited, blackcurrant pastilles. Balsamic and floral, too. Complex, meshed. Big, firm, self-confident but so fresh. Concentrated, deeply structured but remarkably smooth, with layer upon layer of extremely fine tannins. Beautifully fresh and layered. Long, with clearly fabulous ageing potential. As Luís says, ‘a little bit closed’. With air, it becomes more silky and refined on the palate, though it is still a muscular, confident wine'.

98 points | Decanter 
'Terrific structure, depth of colour and flavour articulate an outstanding year. Great warp and weft of ripe fruit (blackberry, strawberry, plum, dried fig and jam) and signature savoury roast chestnut, smoky clove and leather notes, with hints of bergamot and white flowers. Unerring acidity and impeccably judged iron-filing tannins underpin and fan the flavours. Exceptionally long, retro-nasal finish. Prodigious. 2021-2045.'

Expertly crafted by Luis Sottomayor during what he describes as "an extraordinary year", the 2011 vintage benefited from ideal growing conditions, with slow, steady ripening allowing for exceptional flavour development whilst maintaining crucial freshness. Following careful vinification in the gravity-fed winery, the wine matured for 18 months in French oak, with 60% new barrels contributing to its remarkable sophistication and ageing potential. This distinguished release continues the legacy of innovation established by Casa Ferreirinha in 1952, when they became the Douro's first dedicated producer of table wines.