2005 Xisto

60% Touriga Nacional, 15% Touriga Franca, 25% Tinta Roriz; aged 18 months in barrique (60% new). Noticeably sweeter fruit aromas: ripe and peppery and a little medicinal. Less immediately Douro on the nose though there are some violet notes and the texture has Douro written all over it – dry fine savoury tannins which finish fresh. More approachable than some Douro reds but seems overpriced. (JH)