Deep, dark red. Its aroma is intensely fruity with ripe plums and a hint of chocolate. Elegant on the palate, with good body and some power; round tannins and evident fruit maturity, it is accompanied by a light touch of anise and a long, rich finish. Harvested by hand, the grapes are crushed by foot in “lagares”. Fermentation lasted around three to five days. It was aged in Vila Nova de Gaia, in casks 15,000 litre casks. The blend was created in March 2013 and bottled in November of the same year. The 2009 LBV is a traditional vintage style Port, without any hot or cold treatment and is also unfiltered. 2009 was a dry year even when compared to average expected rainfall between the months of July to September. Maturation ran smoothly until the beginning of the second week of August when very high temperatures were recorded. These conditions led to low production yields and high grape concentration. Ramos Pinto holds the largest proportion of vineyards in relation to its production, giving it a high degree of control over viticultural methods and harvest timing. The house tends 187 hectares of prime vineyards in the Alto Corgo and Douro Superior areas of the famed Douro region, the mountainous valley formed by the Douro River and its tributaries. Serving:A good accompaniment to game dishes, cheese soufflé, Serra cheese or other full-fat cheeses and chocolate desserts.Serve between 17º and 18º C. Grape Variety:Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Barroca Technical Characteristics:ABV – 19.5%Residual Sugar – 94 g/l History:Founded in 1880 by brothers Adriano and Antonio, this Port house has always had a pioneering spirit. In the early 20th century it became noted for its innovative and enterprising commercial strategies including the distinctive art nouveau advertising campaign. Among Port producers, Ramos Pinto enjoys the distinction of holding the largest proportion of vineyards in relation to its production, giving them a high degree of control over viticultural methods at harvest time. The House tends 187 hectares (460 acres) of prime vineyards in the Alto Corgo and Douro Superior areas of the famed Douro region, the mountainous valleys formed by the Douro River and its tributaries. All situated in the areas of the Cima-Corgo and the Douro Superior, the four quintas or estates that make up Ramos Pinto’s holdings are:Quinta do Bom Retiro: in Pinhão, planted exclusively with red varieties.Quinta da Urtiga: adjacent to Bom Retiro.Quinta da Ervamoira: in the far upper Douro, by the Côa river near the Spanish border. Here the grapes grow in dry semi-desert conditions.Quinta dos Bons Ares: a cooler site with some of the highest vineyards in the Douro. Both red and white varieties ripen here with great natural acidity and fresh flavours.  The award-winning 10, 20 and 30 year old Tawnies are produced at Quinta da Ervamoira and Bom Retiro respectively.