Duas Quintas has had a bit of a face-lift. It boasts a new label, and the wine has changed a bit - much more contemporary and fruit forward, with nice purity. Is that the vintage, or a style change? I reckon that delivers (even at the slightly inflated Nicolas pricing) and is a good introduction to what the Douro is capable of, even in a less celebrated vintage. 

Duas Quintas 2006 Douro, Portugal

Lovely vivid pure sweet raspberry and blackberry fruit dominates here, and it flirts with jamminess. The palate has nicely dense berryish fruit with an appealing spicy edge and some chocolatey richness. It’s quite pure with nice balance amoung the primary fruit and some spicy tannins. 88/100 (Nicolas £9.15)