Quinta Do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2016

The 2016 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on plot, in 90% new, light-toast French oak. It is sourced from two different vineyards plots, one with southern exposure and the other north-facing, averaging 35 years in vine age. The two plots were fermented separately. It comes in at 13.5% alcohol, a decline from the 2015. Overall, this seems every bit its equal, probably its superior. Tight and aromatic, this throws off big blue-fruit aromas and flavors turning to a bit of blackberry on the end. Bright, silky and very focused, this precise Touriga has superb structure, a certain sexy demeanor despite its elegance and plenty of finesse. When all is said and done, this is likely to be one of Crasto's finest Tourigas. Maybe the 2015 will overtake it. Maybe not. I'm still a little wary—this 2016 was only in bottle about 90 days when seen and is very unevolved. I'm leaning up for the moment, though, as the combination of elegance and sex appeal makes this seem very special just now.