2023 Dow's Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira

Touriga Nacional (43%), Touriga Franca (38%), Sousão (11%), Alicante Bouschet (8%). Vineyards on the north bank of the Douro in the Douro Superior. High proportion of old vines. TA 4.3 g/l, pH 3.65, RS 107 g/l. Cask sample. Black core with narrow and intensely purple rim. Not quite as open and expressive as the Bomfim at the moment. Smells somehow darker-fruited, too, more elderberry than damson. Tannins are more obvious, structured and deliciously dry, thickly textured, maybe needs longer than the Bomfim to come round, I think, but may not age quite as long. Tannins are powerful and dense. Long, and with just enough freshness. (JH)