Tinta Roriz, Quinta do Crasto 2011

The 2011 Tinta Roriz was sourced from three different plots, all fermented separately. It seems to me to be the best TR yet made here, likely to warrant an uptick in a few years. Said winemaker Manuel Lobo, “Two of the vineyards aged 18 months in new French oak barrels from a selection of different cooperages with medium toasts. The other vineyard plot aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels, also from a selection of different cooperages, but in this case with lighter toasts. The final blend was also a selection of the best performing barrels.” The wine was bottled in September, 2013, a couple of months after the Touriga Nacional (because it took longer to complete malolactic fermentation). Surprisingly soft in the mid-palate on opening, it seems to be a caressing Tinta Roriz in Crasto’s style, as displayed in this issue: more graceful, balanced and with reasonably well-integrated tannins. This changes rather quickly, though. It shows more power, pop and focus, while never becoming overbearing. You won’t always realize how much you are like this until you’ve sat with it for a while and actually drunk it. Bright and fresh, it developed a lively feel with air and became more complex. I had the chance to see this issue’s lineup twice. This and the Reserva were the biggest beneficiaries of more time. The next day there was lovely tension on the finish and it preened in its concentration and well-controlled power. There were 8,900 bottles produced. Drink 2016-2027.

Intense, bonfires nose but a bit chewy and tough. Very dry finish. Just a tad tarty. Sweetness too obvious rather than its being beautifully integrated. Drink 2016 - 2020.