Quinta Do Crasto Superior Syrah 2016

The 2016 Syrah Superior, from 2004 plantings, is a Douro-sourced Syrah. Like Côte Rôtie, it also has Viognier (3%), but it doesn't really have that Northern Rhône power and earthiness. It was aged for 16 months in 35% new French oak and comes in at 14.5% alcohol. When first seen, this was not long in bottle. Most of Crasto's reds are benefiting from more bottle time this issue. This, too, has notably improved. Showing much better integration of wood and more focus, this is also far more expressive in those beefy Syrah flavors. The wood is still a bit too noticeable, giving this a caramel-vanilla overlay, but the structure, fruit and aromatics are very fine. This has come along very well, as hoped, and it may continue to improve. It should also be a good value at anticipated street prices.