2020 Encruzado Reserva Branco

The 2020 Encruzado Reserva was aged for eight months in a 60/40 blend of French oak (half new, half used) and stainless steel. Very dry, it comes in at 13.3% alcohol. Elegant and fresh, this does everything well, but nothing really stands out in terms of concentration or power. I liked that understated style, but it does need to show some ability to become more interesting with a year or so in the cellar. I think it will, actually, since the finish lingers nicely and it fills the mouth better than one might initially suspect. Still, it's not entirely clear. Overall, this is a great table wine that will be hard to dislike, but it doesn't really provide a big step up today over the less expensive Villae, although that is a blend and differently styled.