2013 Quinta do Vale Meao
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Tasting notes
Deep cherry colour with purple rim. Smells sweeter than the 2012 and 2011. Dark, and really much darker than the Meandro 2013. Dry and rocky but juicy too, more fluid than the 2012. Very young. Texture less dry than that of the 2011 and 2012, lifted by very good freshness and fluidity. Supple already. (JH)
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Mark Squires
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Tinto (the Estate, flagship red here) is a blend of 58% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 5% Tinta Barroca and 2% Tinta Roriz, aged for 18 months in 225-liter Allier barriques (80% new and 20% second use). It comes in at 14% alcohol. Adding a layer of concentration and more power to the Meandro, its sibling reviewed this issue, this has a wonderfully elegant feel, while adding some surprising pop and power to the gripping and lingering finish. Let's not forget the part where it provides wonderful intensity of flavor on the finish. It's just delicious this year, without ever being candied, sweet or obvious. Subtle at times, yet intense and persistent, this perfectly balanced beauty should hold well. It has some things to prove in the cellar, but it should develop well. As time goes on, I'm expanding drinking windows, but let's remain a little on the conservative side. Sourced from vines averaging 45 years in age, there were 2,050 cases produced.