Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca

Aged for 2 years in large, conditioned French oak vats before bottling. Will continue to age in bottle for decades.

The vineyard cycle got off to an early start, with the first buds emerging between March 8th and 10th, in spite of the cold, dry weather. The very dry Spring stood out as a defining feature of the 2017 viticultural year. Only a few millimetres of rain fell in April, with May and June continuing dry. Temperatures were above average for the period. The early development of the vines continued, with flowering starting right at the beginning of May and a very early véraison making its appearance around June 18th. The drought conditions continued throughout the summer and until the end of September. July was hot but, fortunately, the temperatures in August fell to more moderate levels, particularly at night, giving balance to the ripening crop. Picking at Quinta da Roêda began on August 31st, the earliest start date for over 70 years. The exceptional density of the musts, yielded by thick skinned grapes led to impressive scale and richness of the wines.

Inky core fading to a magenta rim. A seductive nose, ripe and voluptuous with depth and density. Plump, juicy blackcurrant, black cherry and raspberry. The nose is then drawn into a vortex of complex aromas in which resiny scents of eucalyptus blend with notes of sage and mint with hints of grapefruit and a mellow spiciness. On the palate, firm, sinewy tannins are wrapped in a thick envelope of dense, velvety texture. This is one of the most exotic and beguiling wines of the vintage. It is a weighty wine, dense and deeply colored, with the concentration and stamina to ensure a long life in bottle.