Quinta do Cardo Grande Escolha 2011

The 2011 Grande Escolha (Quinta do Cardo) from Beira Interior is a blend of 70% Touriga Nacional and 30% Tinta Roriz. It comes in at 14% alcohol and was aged in new French oak for 20 months. I've often thought that this is one of the best wines from one of the best properties that Companhia das Quintas has. It sure seems like a winner in this fine vintage, although wholly unevolved at the moment. Take the basic demeanor of the 2011 Touriga Nacional Reserva, also reviewed this issue. Add more depth and power, all the while retaining the finesse and tightly wound focus. It handles its oak as well or better, although it is too obvious just now. It sometimes requires a bit of faith (and experience with the wine!) to project that it will work out in the longer haul. The good news is that with this region and these grapes, wines of this type – that is, balanced, reasonably concentrated and well-structured – tend to age well. I'm certainly betting on it. This needs some time to settle down and pull in its oak. It will then show a lot better, adding complexity, in 2018 or 2019. It is surprisingly approachable, but hardly expressive in the meanwhile. If you do pop it, give it some air. There were 7,000 bottles produced.