The 2021 Xisto Cru Tinto was produced with a field blend from two centenary vineyards in Douro, one in Ervedosa and the other one in Covas. It fermented in 3,500-liter oak vats and matured in 228-liter Burgundian barrels. It's a complex blend, but the old vineyards have a lot of Rufete that gives it some floral notes and Alicante Bouschet that gives color (it's a grape with colored pulp). It has some spices and smoke predominant at first, but with time in the glass, the wine develops notes of violets and blue fruit. The wine had almost two months of maceration, and it has very fine tannins and combines power with elegance in an unusual fashion while keeping a moderate 12% alcohol. It's vibrant and deep with very elegant tannins, fresh and persistent. 6,672 bottles and 160 magnums produced. I tasted a 2015 to check the evolution; and even in a warm year like that, the wine was still young, but somehow the oak felt more present.

Balsamic and earthy with hints of blackberries and violets. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with amazing concentration and dark fruit flavors, balancing freshness and a long and lovely finish. Made from two 100-year-old vineyards in Cima Corgo. Aged for 18 months. Drink now.

A bright, mineral-driven red, with a dark core of ripe black plum and steeped black raspberry fruit, mandarin orange peel and heavy ground white pepper, anise and cardamom. Reveals fine, chewy tannins on the smoke- and crushed stone–accented finish. Touriga Nacional, Rufete, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet, Tinta Roriz, Donzelinho Tinto and Malvasia. Drink now through 2028.