Cartuxa Pera Manca White 2016

The 2016 Pêra-Manca Branco is a 70/30 blend of Antão Vaz and Arinto aged for 12 months in 75% used French oak. It comes in at 13.5% alcohol. The oak treatment isn't too aggressive on paper for a long-haul wine, but it is a little prominent now. It will integrate far better with another year or two in the cellar—these can age well, so there is no real rush. Solid and concentrated in the mid-palate, this also has underlying freshness (no doubt in large part thanks to the Arinto) that keeps it lively and more interesting. Overall, this is rather pricey but very well done. It should evolve more and become more intriguing as it ages. There were 5,833 cases produced.