Product

Rating: 93

The 2008, the winery's flagship label, is a blend of Touriga Nacional (55%), Touriga Franca (30%), Tinta Roriz (10%) and Tinta Barroca (5%). Ethereal, showing its oak a bit too much in its youth, and reminding me just a little of fine Rioja, this seems otherwise and remarkably graceful early on, a wine that has a Burgundian feel in the mid-palate. It has that stereotypical iron-fist-in-velvet-glove demeanor, too, as it packs quite a powerful punch underneath the initially elegant and oaky demeanor. The oak should integrate with time, but make no mistake about it, there is a lot more here than oak and this wine has a lot of upside; as with a lot of 2008s, it just may not all be apparent early on. Drink 2012-2028.

Rating: 95

Very fresh and pure-tasting, displaying a minerally essence to the concentrated dark plum, cassis and dark cherry flavors that are broad, dense and rich. Medium-grained tannins emerge with plenty of fresh acidity. The balanced finish features mocha and spice, with hints of chocolate. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Drink now through 2020. 2,500 cases made. Wine Spectator's #64 Wine of the Year for 2011.