Quinta Dos Frades is about as traditional as a wine can get. A field blend of traditional Douro varieties is planted in pure shale on a forbiddingly steep hillside. Touriga Nacional dominates, but is complemented by Tinta Carvalho, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cao, Tinta Amorela, and Donzelinho. Grapes are hand-picked, hand sorted, and foot trodden in old granite presses. Fermentation also happens in granite; the wine is transferred to stainless steel for the second-malolactic-fermentation. Then at least 12 months in new French oak, and another 15 months in bottle before release. But this '15 Grande Reserva has sleeping quietly for 8+ years. It is DEFINITELY ready for the spotlight. Extravagantly scented, with notes of cherry, mocha, and cinnamon. Sumptuous, velvety black fruit flavors-plum, black cherry, and currant- meld with vanilla and spice notes. Beautifully balanced. This is a powerful wine, but even at 14.5 abv, you don't taste the alcohol. Complex, delicious, fascinating wine.