2018 Pintas

Cima Corgo, Pinhão Valley, Vale de Mendiz. 88-year-old vineyard with a field blend of more than 40 different indigenous grape varieties. All grapes previously selected and destemmed were foot-trodden in stone lagares, where the fermentation continued for 10 days. The ageing and malolactic conversion was done in French oak barrels over the course of 20 months. 5,694 bottles, 300 magnums, 50 3-litre and some really big bottles, up to 12 litres! TA 5.6 g/l, pH 3.63. Unnecessarily heavy bottle. So dark it is almost black, with a deep purple rim. All the classic Douro aromas of black fruit, dark rocks, smoky/stony and spicy. No excess oak sweetness but packed with black fruit. Dense, chewy yet smooth tannins. Rich, complete, embryonic. Be patient with this one. Dry, tannic finesse and great freshness for a powerful wine. (JH)