This sample was actually a finished wine. The 2011 Ferreira is a blend of 45% Touriga Franca, 40% Touriga Nacional, 10% Tinta Roriz and 5% Sousao, all aged in large oak wooden vats in Vila Nova de Gaia before bottling in April 2011. It has a powerful nose of baked black cherries, incense and melted dark chocolate that is very open and welcoming. The palate is full-bodied and understated on the entry, but do not be deceived, for there is a second wave of spicy, damson fruit laced with white pepper and even Szechuan pepper towards the finish. I am just seeking a little more persistency, although that may develop with bottle age. Tasted May 2013.

This is a beautiful wine, finely balanced, with acidity vying easily with blackberry jelly, sweet figs and just enough structure. The finish is appealingly perfumed.——R.V.(12/15/2009)—— 89