2010 Vinha da Ponte

The 2010 Vinha da Ponte is part of this issue's vertical. This has always been a sentimental favorite among Pontes. No, it's not quite as big, powerful and as concentrated as some are, but the restraint and elegance are actually welcome here. That's not to suggest that this is any weak sister. Quite to the contrary, this has plenty of stuffing and plenty of power, especially for this somewhat difficult vintage. The oak overwhelms the wine just now, though. It clearly needs a few years more to start pulling it in better, but about two hours of aeration did that, too. Focused and very pleasing, if just a bit compact, I still like this a lot. It is probably a step short of greatness, but everyone's going to like it. Give it a few more years if you can, even if it seems approachable, because it really needs to acquire better balance.