Quinta do Vale Meao, Quinta do Vale Meão 2013

The 2013 Tinto (the Estate, flagship red here) is a blend of 58% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 5% Tinta Barroca and 2% Tinta Roriz, aged for 18 months in 225-liter Allier barriques (80% new and 20% second use). It comes in at 14% alcohol. Adding a layer of concentration and more power to the Meandro, its sibling reviewed this issue, this has a wonderfully elegant feel, while adding some surprising pop and power to the gripping and lingering finish. Let's not forget the part where it provides wonderful intensity of flavor on the finish. It's just delicious this year, without ever being candied, sweet or obvious. Subtle at times, yet intense and persistent, this perfectly balanced beauty should hold well. It has some things to prove in the cellar, but it should develop well. As time goes on, I'm expanding drinking windows, but let's remain a little on the conservative side. Sourced from vines averaging 45 years in age, there were 2,050 cases produced. Drink 2017 - 2035.