The Van Zellers CV Curriculum Vitae Douro Tinto 2011 represents the pinnacle of still wine production from this esteemed Portuguese house. Sourced from select parcels within the rugged Douro Valley, this wine embodies the region's distinctive terroir, characterised by ancient schist soils and dramatic terraced vineyards. The 2011 vintage, widely lauded for its favourable conditions, allowed for optimal phenolic ripeness and concentration.
Crafted from a traditional field blend of indigenous Douro varietals, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, the wine undergoes meticulous vinification. Extended maceration and maturation in new French oak barrels contribute to its profound structure and aromatic complexity, integrating seamlessly over time. This flagship expression is designed for extended cellaring, promising further evolution and nuance with age.
Tasting notes
The 2011 Van Zellers CV Curriculum Vitae presents a deep, opaque ruby hue, indicative of its concentration. The bouquet is complex and evolving, revealing layers of dark forest fruits—blackberry and cassis—intertwined with notes of dried violet, exotic spice, and a developing tertiary spectrum of tobacco leaf, cedar, and a hint of graphite. On the palate, it is full-bodied and commanding, with a dense core of fruit framed by finely integrated, persistent tannins and a vibrant acidity. Flavours echo the nose, augmented by nuances of dark chocolate and a distinct minerality, culminating in an exceptionally long, resonant finish. This is a wine of remarkable power, elegance, and profound ageing potential.