Campo Ardosa: Rated "M"

Every so often I discover a wine that is wise beyond its years.  By this I mean a mature-tasting wine that isn't, say 10 or fifteen years old.  Campo Ardosa of Portugal's Douro region is a wine that I would definitely rate "M" for mature.

It isn't obnoxiously fruity.
It isn't overly tannic or austere.
It's a well-rounded wine that, while slightly subtle, is a pleasure to drink.

The Skinny
Quinta da Carvalhosa 'Campo Ardosa' '00 ($30-$35)

• From the Douro DOC in Portugal
• Deep brick-red with a garnet rim
• "Mature" scents - dried plums, figs, cedar-box, smoke, earth
• Medium-bodied.  A very rich, deep flavor.  Subtle, rounded tannins and long finish

****.5 (4.5 stars out of 5)

Try this with truffled mushroom ragout (see recipe, next post).