Jancis Robinson

From Quinta Vale d’Agodinho, a field blend with approximately: Touriga Nacional (25%), Touriga Franca (25%), Tinta Roriz (18%) Tinto Cão (8%), Tinta Barroca (8%), others (16%). ‘The long and very wet winter helped to create the water reserves the vines needed during the very hot and dry days of August. Totally destemmed grapes followed by a slow fermentation with temperature control up to 28 °C. Not filtered. Bottled in June 2015.’ Winemaker: Cláudia Quevedo. TA 4.34 g/l, pH 3.63, RS 95 g/l. Darkest of colours, like elderberry juice. Lovely smoky wood notes over fine, dry black fruit, barely smells sweet at all. Dark chocolate and dark rocky aroma. Firm and savoury with smooth but beautifully dry tannin texture. Lots of dark spice too but not baking spice – wilder. Chewy and long and a long way to go but delicious now – with peppered steak, a participant in the Zoom tasting suggested. Darkchocolate aftertaste.