Casa Ferreirinha : Quinta Da Leda 2018

A rich red that offers both freshness and grace, integrating fine-grained tannins and generous flavors of pureed black raspberry, black plum reduction, mountain herbs and flowers. Silky on the palate, with dark hints of cocoa powder, fig cake, cedar and olive emerging on the firm finish. Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cão and Tinta Roriz. Drink now through 2038. 6,667 cases made, 350 cases imported.

Blackcurrants, cassis, baked blueberries, violets, sandalwood and hot stones on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with velvety, integrated tannins. Plush, yet fresh and weightless. Excellent texture. Try after 2023.

Deep dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Ripe plums, black forest berries, a fine touch of slate, a hint of precious wood, inviting, youthful bouquet. Medium complexity, dark fruit, ripe tannins, mineral-salty finish, a harmonious food companion.

The 2018 Quinta da Leda is a blend of 41% Touriga Franca, 34% Touriga Nacional, 13% Tinto Cão and 12% Tinta Roriz, aged for 18 months in an equal mixture of new and used French oak. It comes in at 13.9% alcohol. Showing some charred beef on the finish, this does have the advantage of somewhat more sedate tannins—somewhat. This has good juicy fruit, but it doesn't seem as classic as some years in the flavor profile. It's a good but not really great Leda. Here, unlike with the 2017, the fruit doesn't compensate for some rusticity.