Tinta Roriz

" The 2017 Tinta Roriz was aged in new French oak for 16 to 18 months, depending on the plot (with three vineyards separately fermented). It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. This was set for bottling in a few days after this tasting. This vat sample was the final blend, however. It may be the best Tinta Roriz Crasto has yet produced. It may also be the year when the Tinta Roriz makes this statement. Is it the best wine in Crasto's lineup this year? Maybe, maybe not. But it's a serious contender, and it was my favorite in this tasting, provisionally. We'll see how it develops. In the meanwhile, it seems pretty special. Concentrated, seductively textured, powerful and brilliantly structured, this has a gripping finish. The fine fruit is the key here, though—the mid-palate always holds up to the power. The fruit lingers, nuanced with some hints of beef. The next day it was still burly and intense but far more expressive. It is going to be fun to see where this goes. It should age very well—30 years or more is not out of the question. Drink 2024-2045. "