The most famous "brothers" of Casa Ferreirinha, here side by side, are a symbol of the Douro region, which honor and prestige the Portuguese viticulture, already having many international awards and prizes.
Born and vinified in Quinta da Leda, in the heart of the Upper Douro, these two brothers share fame in a sui generis way, one can be exceptional (RE) but knows that the brother will always be superior (BV), or so it should be ...
Both of them are born only of exceptional harvests and take years to be "declared", so much that the last harvests available in the market are the 2008 of Barca Velha and the 2009 of Reserva Especial.
This Barca Velha, has an intense ruby color and an aroma of great harmony and complexity, with a strong presence of very ripe red fruits, floral nuances of lavender and violet, and an excellent spice component. In the mouth it is voluminous, it has a lively and well integrated acidity, with well present tannins and excellent quality. The red fruit, which is still fresh, combine with a balsamic and spiced feel. The finish is very long and complex, with remarkable delicacy and elegance.
The Reserva Especial, has a very intense, almost opaque color. It also reveals excellent intensity and aromatic quality, very ripe red fruits and black plum. Also outstanding are the spices such as cinnamon and cloves, balsamic to cedar, tobacco box and wooden notes very well integrated. In the mouth it has a magnificent structure, firm tannins of great quality, balanced by a good acidity. Its high intensity and complexity provide an extremely long finish.
Barca Velha 2004 .. 95pts / Reserva Especial 2007 .. 96pts
This 2007 Reserva Especial is very probably the best ever, and with its evolution in bottle it may well surpass some Barca Velha.
Adolfo Magalhães
Salut!