2016 Touriga Nacional
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Fermented in tank and aged 18 months in French oak. Deepest crimson with some purple at the rim. Entwined aromas of dark fruit and Touriga's lovely – but not excessive – floral character. A touch of oak's sweet spice. On the palate, quite oaky but the fruit and violets characteristics come through. Velvet-like tannins and good freshness to finish. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Mark Squires
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on plot, in 90% new, light-toast French oak. It is sourced from two different vineyards plots, one with southern exposure and the other north-facing, averaging 35 years in vine age. The two plots were fermented separately. It comes in at 13.5% alcohol, a decline from the 2015. Overall, this seems every bit its equal, probably its superior. Tight and aromatic, this throws off big blue-fruit aromas and flavors turning to a bit of blackberry on the end. Bright, silky and very focused, this precise Touriga has superb structure, a certain sexy demeanor despite its elegance and plenty of finesse. When all is said and done, this is likely to be one of Crasto's finest Tourigas. Maybe the 2015 will overtake it. Maybe not. I'm still a little wary—this 2016 was only in bottle about 90 days when seen and is very unevolved. I'm leaning up for the moment, though, as the combination of elegance and sex appeal makes this seem very special just now. Note that this was double decanted for about six hours before being tasted. It was quite drinkable at that point, and the tannins are moderate, but that's not how it will show from a newly opened bottle. This will acquire balance and more complexity around 2023 or so. There were 7,800 bottles produced.