This beauty arrived towards the beginning of this pandemic, and has been resting quietly in the warehouse, like some sort of sleeper cell of pleasure, since it has been entirely too hot and yucky to unleash it on the sweltering Mid-Atlantic. Now, as we slowly start to turn the corner towards Virginia's best season, I can feel the energy, the molecules within this resting sex pot, surging about like brain cells in the skull of Jeeves. Portuguese rock star winemaker, Antonio Maçanita and his equally badass sister, Joanna, collaborate on the Douro Tinto, essentially making this the third region Antonio works in; Alentejo and the Azores being the other two.
This is 65% Touriga Nacional, 20% Sousao, and the rest is a field blend of Douro grapes that no one has bothered to identify, much to my joy, and assume their's as well. It's aged a year, 50% in Stainless steel, 25% New French Oak, and 25% Used French Oak. This is very much a Douro red in its flavour, mineral, and textural profile. However, there is a levity, an almost ethereal quality that is somehow more cerebral and inspired than simply powerful and bold. As we move away from the 90's and into the 80's, while still keeping the grill on, you will find this a lovely patio companion to a thick steak on a slightly cooler night. Drink now for 7-10 years.
-Matthew McGuigan- Territory Manager