Quinta de la Rosa La Rosa Reserva 2015

A selection made both of grapes in the vineyard and wines in the winery, this rich wine has power and density as well as superb fruits. The well-judged oak aging melds well with the dark fruits and acidity, while the tannins give strength and aging potential.

The 2015 Reserva is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 10% Touriga Franca and 50% field blend from old vines, aged for 18 months in a 40/60 mixture of new and used French oak. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. An exuberant 2015, this is impeccably balanced and intensely flavorful. The beautiful structure here is matched only by the fine fruit, with everything cooperating nicely. As it unwinds and opens, the concentration seems a bit less, but the freshness is a bit more impressive and the delicious fruit becomes open and expressive, showing all that intensity of flavor that the 2015s seem to have. This impressive red will be a pleasure to drink, but I'd particularly like to see it develop and improve in the cellar. Give it a few years if you can, but it will be more or less approachable when young. It may also age better than anticipated, but let's take that in stages.

An attractive white with sliced pear, melon and green apple character. Medium to full body, pretty fruit and a flavorful finish.