2015 Douro Tinta Roriz

From the best Tinta Roriz plot of Quinta do Crasto. Vines aged 32 years planted at 300 m. Foot-trodden in a traditional stone tank (lagar) and then transferred into an open stainless steel tank where the cap is pressed down with robotic pistons. Fermentation takes place for 10 days under strictly controlled temperature environment. Once the alcoholic fermentation is completed, the grape are gently pressed using hydraulic presses. Aged in new French oak. Bottled October 2017. TA 5.1 g/l, pH 3.76. Surprisingly dark – almost as dark as the Touriga Nacional though with more red at the rim. Intense, sweet dark-red fruit on the nose, sweet plum and cherry with a light smokiness perhaps from the oak but it's also a smokiness that suggests a dusty, rocky, mineral character. Extremely chewy tannins at the moment but the whole thing is plush and rich and generous, with less oak sweetness than I remember and more savoury than I would expect from Tinta Roriz. Clearly a very special parcel of vines. Some peppery spice on the nose and palate and a bright freshness giving bite on the finish. Although the tannins are powerful, they are very fine-grained and the acidity balances the richness and powerful texture well. Long finish. Needs time. (JH)