2015 Xisto

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, along with other local varieties from old vines, from the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior subregions. They are hand-harvested and then destemmed and crushed. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel conical vats. Rack and return is performed during fermentation. Aged 20 months in 225-litre oak barrels. Bottled July 2018. Still bright and deep cherry red with no sign of age in the colour. Highly spiced dark fruit, rocky and peppery at the same time. As it opens, the floral character of the Touriga Nacional starts to show. Still all so very primary in fruit, barely seems to have aged. Again as it opens, a touch minty. On the palate, chewy, more oaky than on the nose, deep and rich in both dark fruit and the Touriga perfume, lots of spice and a taut freshness on the finish, the tannins starting to become silky though they still have a way to go. Powerful but with potential for greater elegance if you can be patient. (JH)