2016 Vinha da Coroa Quinta do Vallado

Parker-Squires 94 points: The 2016 Vinha da Coroa, only bottled about two weeks before being tasted, is a field blend from centenarian vines at the crown, one of the highest parts of Vallado—thus the name Coroa ("crown" in English). It was aged for 18 months in used French barriques and comes in at 13% alcohol. This is typically a bottling that emphasizes freshness and acidity over big fruit and concentration. This year it has that slightly tart edge, but that edge is balanced by good fruit. Showing silky texture and beautiful mid-palate finesse, these ends with pop and power. Probably the best yet of this relatively new bottling, this won't be everyone's first choice—the acidity makes it rather different—but it is pretty fine. Many will adore it. Some won't. It could use a couple of years in the cellar, at the least. Then, it should age well. Set for release in September, there were 4,500 bottles and 200 magnums produced.