2013 Quinta das Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas

The 2013 Vinhas Velhas da Quinta das Carvalhas (Carvalhas' Old Vines, in other words--in this case, 80+ years) is a field blend aged for 18 months in a 50/50 mixture of new and used French oak. It comes in at 14% alcohol. Not showing a lot of depth, but a bit too much oak, this is still nicely done. Its structure is excellent. There's a real backbone and it is built to age. The only question is whether the modest mid-palate will cooperate in that process. It does have an extra layer of depth over the Tinta Francisca, also reviewed, but neither is truly very concentrated in this vintage. Overall, it may have just enough concentration to hold decently and it should have time to pull in the wood. It is very pretty in general and it may yet improve. There were 600 cases produced.