The 2003 VINHA DA PONTE sold out in an eye blink, so consider this a library wine review mostly of historical interest to those who hold them. This old vines trophy wine shows beautifully early on, round and sexy, with a soft, velvety texture. It takes awhile for the tannins to pop out, and when they do, this seems more serious, not just tasty and sensual. The mid-palate fleshes out a bit with air, as well. There’s a touch of eucalyptus on the finish as well as a certain eccentric nuance—iodine? Sour plum? As it developed, it never seemed quite as charming or as well balanced as the ’04 Vinha da Ponte, and I liked it less. Drink now-2017. Importer: Broadbent Selections, San Francisco, Ca.; (415) 931-1725.