Quinta Do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2019

The 2019 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on which of two plots was used, in 90% new oak. It comes in at 14.6% alcohol. Sensually textured and rather fragrant, this carefully constructed Touriga firmly announces itself. The blue fruits roll across the tongue, then the wine tightens and closes a little. As understated as this sometimes is, there is power here lurking underneath, which will stand this in good stead as it ages, but it is perfectly balanced and a lot more refined than either the Touriga Franca or Tinta Roriz in this report. It is by far the most sensual of the three monovarietals in this report, the one that promises to caress the palate. Concentrated and structured, it seems poised to age well. You could approach this now, but giving it a couple of years, at least, in the cellar would surely improve it. Coming on the heels of the lovely 2018, this is a fine follow-up. Which is better? That's a question to be definitively answered in a few years when they are both here together and have some age on them. They seem on the same level. There were 10,102 bottles produced, plus some large-format bottles.

A crunchy and focused young wine with blackberries and dark chocolate. Hazelnut. Medium to full body. Firm and racy tannins. Tight and chewy. Energetic. December 2023 release. Drink or hold.