The warmth of the Upper Douro was tamed by the relatively restrained 2012 vintage, so while we have excellent color here, and lovely cocoa notes from the French oak, there is also an invigorating fresh snap to this lush wine. We feel it's a harbinger of great things to come from the area. 2016 bears out this prognosis. It is sumptuous without being exaggerated, superbly balanced between fruit and oak and brimming with life. The new 2018 vintage brings out the granitic qualities of the vineyards.