Quinta das Marias Garrafeira 2010

The 2010 Garrafeira is an 80-20 blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, fermented in French oak and aged there for 11 months (one-third new, two-thirds used). It is listed at 14% alcohol. Sometimes, when a winery releases a Garrafeira I half expect some overkill, not only in price but in the wine style, as the winery tries to do something to justify the name (that's for those who still care about Garrafeiras as such, to be sure). This is actually a rather understated Garrafeira, bright, fresh and elegant, projecting little but grace and good balance. The mid-palate seems elegant enough, but there is a certain, subtle concentration, too. It is a perfect food wine that evolves nicely in the glass and never overwhelms its partner. It tastes great while remaining crisp and clean. The touches of oak should integrate and the tannins that emerge with air will never overwhelm while still supporting the wine. It is the type of wine you won't get tired of drinking. It performed nicely enough the next day, but did not improve. This runs around 25 euros in Portugal. Bottled in May, 2012, there were 4,130 bottles produced. Drink now-2026. Score - 92. (Mark Squires, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013)