Principal Grande Reserve, Quinta Colinas de Sao Lourenco 2011

The 2011 Principal Grande Reserva, the last in our trio this issue, is a blend of 50% Touriga Nacional, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 12 months in French oak (40% new). This seems like is the least concentrated of the trio reviewed this issue, but it is nicely focused and potentially complex, with the possibility of improvement. Precise and unevolved, it is tight on the finish, but I liked its very fresh feel even now. If this is not the richest of the group--not the regional trademark in any event--but it may well be the best structured. With another year or two in the cellar, it may overtake its siblings. Right now, there isn't much reward for diving in, so don't waste it. It does seem pricey, given the 100 Euro price tag in Portugal. There were approximately 50,000 bottles produced.