The 2018 Xisto, released only in certain years, is a blend of 40% old vines (70 years), 30% Touriga Nacional and 30% Touriga Franca from vines planted in 1987, all aged for 20 months in 85% new French barriques. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. As gorgeous as the regular Tinto is, this is a step up, or two. It is a bit oakier but also more polished and better structured. It's easily as delicious, although the oak covers up some of that these days. This is approachable now because the tannins are very ripe, but it will be even better in a couple of years. That will allow some chance to pull in more wood. It does tighten a bit with air, so aging it can't hurt. It should age well. It has some things to prove in the cellar, but I'm leaning up today. There were 7,000 bottles produced.
Product Description:
"Deep ruby in colour. The nose shows fresh forest fruit notes well integrated with fine hints of spice and gum cistus. The palate starts in an elegant way, evolving into a full-bodied wine with a structure composed of fresh, finely textured tannins. The finish is balanced and persistent. This is a wine made using Bordeaux vinification technology, but which reflects the unique identity of the Douro."- Winery
