Quinta do Vale Meão 2021

The eponymous red 2021 Quinta do Vale Meão was produced with grapes from the same five vineyards from the first year, fermented with some full clusters, which they've done since 2017. This year saw some 20%, a little like it was done in the past in the Barca Velha from the grandfather of winemaker Francisco Olazabal. It has the same character from the previous years, a strong personality, good tension and, as with the rest of the wines I tasted from them, a little less ripeness and extraction. They used some 30% new barrels, and they have been gradually using less toast and coopers who respect the wines. The wine is more elegant, tasty and spicy, with very fine tannins and a supple, almost salty finish—very long with nothing jammy about it.

The latest release of this top wine is as impressive as ever, a rich medley of flavors enhanced by 16 months in wood. The black fruits combine with structure to give a wine with a great future. Drink from 2028.