At a glance

Producer

Pintas (Wine & Soul, LDA)

Region

Douro, Portugal

Grape variety

Field blend of traditional Douro varieties (dominated by Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, others)

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$48-65 (Wine-Searcher average retail, early 2024)

Tasting profile

Deep garnet with brick highlights. Aromas of black cherry, dark plum, dried fig, cedar, tobacco, leather, graphite, and subtle spice. Palate is complex, displaying mature dark fruit, plum, balsamic, cocoa, earth, and a touch of dried herbs. Tannins are silky and integrated; finish is persistent, with savory and mineral undertones.

Evolution: Primary black and blue fruits are evolving to stewed plum, prune, dried fig, and hints of forest floor, cigar box, bitter chocolate, and dried violets. Acidity frames the still-rich palate, but fruit density is softening.

At peak: At peak, the wine will be harmonious, with a full display of mature fruit, balsamic notes, fine tannins, and complex savory/mineral depth. The window from 2016-2024 is likely the period of greatest complexity and balance.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, medium to medium-plus acidity provides balance and lift.

Tannins

Moderate to high, initially robust but now softened, well-integrated at this stage.

Alcohol

14.5%, well-integrated after 17+ years.

Aging potential

Excellent for a Douro field blend; up to 20-22 years from vintage in top storage. 2006 vintage is not a legendary year but wines are long-lived.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2016 to 2024

Optimal window

2012 to 2028

Current status

Ready now, at or just past peak for most bottles, but well-stored bottles will remain enjoyable for several more years.

Current condition

Mature, integrated, showing tertiary development but with structure and freshness remaining in good cellared examples.

Pintas Character is built on old-vine Douro field blends and substantial extraction. These are capable of two decades of positive aging, especially in a solid year like 2006. 2006 was not as powerful as 2003/2005 or as structured as 2007, but the producer’s focus on concentration and Douro’s natural acidity grant this wine a longer window than non-vintage Ports or basic Douro reds. The primary fruit begins to fade after 17-20 years, with tertiary and savory elements dominating—so peak complexity is reached as tertiary flavors flower but before fruit fades fully.

Food pairing

Pairs exceptionally with roasted or grilled beef, lamb shank, venison, or game birds with rich sauces. Traditional Portuguese dishes like posta mirandesa (beef steak), feijoada (bean stew with pork), or slow-braised duck work beautifully. Mature cheeses (Manchego, aged cheddar, Serra da Estrela) will complement the savory/earthy profile. As the wine matures, favor earthier, umami-rich dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow mature aromatics to open and separate any fine sediment common in evolved Douro reds.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Hand-harvesting, old-vine field blend viticulture, minimal intervention winemaking. No certified organic/biodynamic status. Focus on sustainable vineyard management in the Douro; some use of traditional, low-impact practices.

Wine & Soul employs traditional, responsible vineyard and winemaking practices and avoids large-scale industrialization. While not certified, there is a strong emphasis on healthy vineyard ecosystems, but sustainability credentials lag compared to certified organic/biodynamic producers.