TN: 2012 Real Companhia Velha Quinta das Carvalhas Touriga Nacional Douro

[Andy Velebil]

Decanted about an hour. I am generally not a fan of this grape as a single varietal as in my experience it is a hard grape to tame on its own. Though some producers have done a good job, usually at a significantly higher price point. So at $18, I wasn't expecting much from this one. I could not have been more wrong. The reddish/black fruit, tar, minerality, and pencil lead was well balanced among the moderate tannins and nice acidity. Very consistent across the mouth and finish, the latter being moderately long. This is one of the best Douro Touriga Nacional's for under $20 I've ever had. I don't know what the life span of this will be as I have no prior experience with it, but this should do well in the early to mid term. Then again, why wait this drinks so well now. Hats off to RCV on doing such a good job on this.
89 Points