The 2008 Duas Quintas is revisited this issue as part of our vertical. It is a blend of Touriga Franca (40%), Tinta Roriz (40%) and Touriga Nacional (20%). About 20% of the wine was aged in French oak for 12 months (new to five-years-old). This shows just beautifully, full in the mouth, powerful and tight with a crisp edge. I suspect, however, that the concentration here is not quite as great as it seems on first taste, and as this airs out it does show a bit more angularity than some. It still has fleshed out a bit since first seen, while flexing a bit of muscle and power along the way. Very tight, this is impressively structured and not near peak. It may yet keep improving.

A tannic and powerful black berry fruit driven wine, its weight and concentration fitting well with the overall richness. It is a powerful expression, hinting at minerality while enjoying its opulent character.——R.V.(2/1/2011)—— 91