Ponte da Boga Capricho de Merenzao

The pale and delicate 2016 Capricho de Merenzao is certainly better than the last few vintages I've tried of this varietal Trousseau from two different plots of young-ish vines in different places. It fermented de-stemmed and crushed with neutral yeasts and aged in used French oak barrels and stainless steel vats for ten months. It's fresher and creamy with some honey-like aromas, hints of pollen and red berries that make it attractive but not very varietal. The palate is medium-bodied and soft with fine-grained tannins and good tension. I'd be curious to see how this evolves. 6,270 bottles were filled in September 2017.

Grainy nose somehow but then smooth, sweet and fruity on the palate! Lots of inkiness on the end. Quite proudly sour – interesting sour damson character.

Racy wild cranberries, dried roses and wet leaves on the nose. Some white pepper with red dates and goji berries on the palate. Silky tannins. A little herbal but fine. Merenzao. A fun wine to try now.