TN: 2015 Carvalhas Tinta Francisca Douro -- Quinta das Carvalhas

[Andy Velebil]

Saw this at a local retailer and always fun to try new things. 100% Tinta Francisca and aged 12 months in oak (doesn't say if new or used on the label). Decanted for about 2.5 hours. Elegant dark cherries are rather deceptive in that they aren't over ripe. Instead they posses this wonderful bright freshness. Really good acidity pops out mid-palate and then it starts to put on a some weight when the graphite, moderate tannins, and tar start coming to the front. A light amount of white pepper on the soft and elegant, yet long, finish. This was rather tight at first and really become so much more expressive and impressive the longer it sat in the decanter. By no means a big bold flashy wine, instead this is a beautifully elegant wine that packs a punch.
91(+) Points