Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2017

The 2018 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on which of two plots, in 90% new oak. It comes in at just 14.6% alcohol. More flavorful and aromatic than its sibling, the Touriga Franca, this is otherwise along the same lines. This Touriga Nacional maintains the Franca's mid-palate finesse, as well as the feeling it projects that it is the crushed essence of the grape. There's a little oak present, but not as much as you might think. This, too, will absorb the oak even better with a couple of years in the cellar, but the wood is very well handled. It is not really intrusive even now, and there is no "drenched in vanilla" demeanor at all. The tannins are very ripe, but with aeration this becomes much firmer on the finish, proving that it has the structure to age.

Spiced and crushed dark berries and gently spiced woody aromas, leading to a silky palate. This has a very smooth delivery of fine, sleek and detailed tannins. Impressive freshness, balance and poise. Drink or hold.

A generous, powerful red, with violet notes flanking the blackberry and cherry flavors bound together by vibrant acidity. Underpinned by spice, tea and wild herb notes, this concludes with a lingering, smoke-tinged finish. Enjoyable now, but can be aged for a few years. Drink now through 2028. 583 cases made.

31-year-old vines. Foot trodden in lagares, fermented in open steel tanks with auto-pigeage. 16 months in new French oak. Unnecessarily heavy bottle. 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.