Quinta do Vale Meão Red 2016

Predominantly Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Very aromatic, with the barrel making itself felt among notes of fresh cocoa, light minerality, high-quality fruit, and a perception of a heady style. Generous on the palate, full-bodied and very flavourful, with ripe tannins and a superior, endless finish. Enormous class!

This is a major, impressive wine. Its power and tannins are matched by its style, rich dark-fruit flavors and dense structure. The potential of this wine, with its poise between juicy acidity and structure, is enormous. A mineral texture provides the essential connection with the terroir of the Douro Superior. It comes from one of the top Douro estates, the last to be created by Dona Antonia Ferreira and one that is still in the hands of her descendants. Drink from 2024. 

The 2016 Tinto is an equal blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, with others filling out the blend, all aged for 16 months in 50% new French oak. It comes in at 14% alcohol. Denser than the 2017, but without its sunny demeanor, this seems richer and a little sexier, if not quite as pure. The fruit is still gloriously flavorful. Beautifully structured, delicious and guaranteed to be a pleasure to drink, this is just entering a stage where you might approach it. I'd still say that it will do better if you come back around 2023-2025. It is going to be hard to resist, but it should age well.

Well-crafted, balancing power and finesse, this red layers raspberry gelée, cherry tart and olive tapenade flavors with cured meat, black tea and wild rosemary accents. Sinewy tannins mark the rich finish, infused with licorice, mocha and baking spice aromas. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz. Best from 2021 through 2030. 2,400 cases made, 240 cases imported.

Deep cherry colour with purple rim. Smells sweeter than the 2012 and 2011. Dark, and really much darker than the Meandro 2013. Dry and rocky but juicy too, more fluid than the 2012. Very young. Texture less dry than that of the 2011 and 2012, lifted by very good freshness and fluidity. Supple already. 

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Nuances of ripe plums and pickled cherries, tobacco nuances, sweet spices, floral touch. Fresh sweet berry confit, ripe tannins, freshly structured, dark minerality and still a bit brittle on the finish, subtle chocolate nuances on the finish, good ageing potential.