Tinta Carvalha 2020

The 2020 Tinta Carvalha Chão dos Eremitas Vinhas Velhas is unoaked and comes in at 11.6% alcohol, a drop of around two points from last year. Winemaker-owner António Maçanita insists this is ripe, and he indeed seems to be right. It still doesn't seem to be as structured or as deep as the 2019, but it has a serious backbone and intense red fruit flavors. It certainly doesn't taste unripe or weak, despite that rather shocking drop. Indeed, right now it seems to be quite a success, a star in its own right and style. Both may improve in time, but this will hold up its end of the bargain. I'd still like to see it answer some questions in the cellar, but it is irresistible now.

Light cherry red. Lifted wild-strawberry nose. Delicately floral. Vibrant – like being plugged in to the mains with the electricity turned on. Very fine, papery tannins. Scented on the long finish. Tight, taut, with a real lightness of being.

Very open in color, almost a palette in hue, enormous subtlety and elegance in aroma, very pure and expressive red berries, light vegetal, earthy. Excellent balance in the mouth, full and refreshing at the same time, delicate, elegant and sophisticated. A different, superior red.