2019 Batuta Tinto

The 2019 Batuta, from 70 to 100-year-old Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Rufete, Malvazia Preta and other varieties, is grown on schist soils close to Quinta de Nápoles, and aged for 20 months in French barriques. It has a very perfumed and quite ethereal nose; if tasted blind, you might well mistake it for a fine Volnay. It offers impressive definition, seamlessly integrated oak with a touch of Asian spices mixed with pencil shavings that develop with time. The palate is medium-bodied, almost understated, fresh and pure. This is a fine-boned wine, very nuanced, with a gentle build towards the finish. At 12.5% alcohol, this doesn't go to your head. It's just a supremely well-crafted Douro that is a joy from start to finish. 7,800 bottles produced.