Touriga Nacional, Quinta do Crasto 2012

The 2012 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16-18 months in new French barriques. That means that it was sourced from two different old-vines plots, each of which had different barrel treatment. Startlingly fresh and approachable, this lacks the tightly wound feel you might expect to see at this level, but if it doesn't seem concentrated and intense, it sure is fragrant and graceful. Utterly charming, crisp and aromatic, it is refined and beautifully balanced. Quite forward this year, it should be very nice young--which doesn't mean that it won't improve over the next few years. It does prove with air that it has a backbone, but the tannins are relatively ripe. It should make a great food wine and the bottle will drain fast at the table. Drink 2015 - 2027.

Dark purplish crimson. Violets and blueberries, sweet and rich and perfumed. Sweetness of fruit but balanced by the savoury character from the oak spice and the Douro's terroir. Finesse and length and not OTT with Touriga Nacional characteristics, which can be overwhelming. More refined and elegant than the Tinta Roriz and overall better balance between fruit and oak, and the alcohol is less noticeable. There's more finesse to the tannins too – firm but very fine.