The 2012 Vinha da Francisa (Quinta Vale d. Maria), named for one of owner Cristiano van Zeller's daughters, is a rather unusual blend of Sousão (50%), Touriga Franca (15%), Tinta Francisca (5%), Rufete (10%), Touriga Nacional (20%), aged for 21 months in a mixture of new (65%) and used (one- and two-year-old) French oak barriques. Not surprisingly, given the vintage and the blend, this has a bit of a crisp edge and a silky finish. There is a considerable amount of tannic pop, too, but not a lot of mid-palate concentration. The wine compensates with a lifted, fresh feel, plus grip and penetration on the finish. It gradually grew on me as it aired out. It is not as immediately appealing as some sexpot wines, but it eventually shows well. It may still have some upside possibilities in the cellar, but the price point in the USA will be a deterrent to many. The good news there is that it will be the geeks who buy it – they tend to have the cellars. Check back in 3-5 years and this may well be entitled to an uptick. There were just 7,800 bottles produced, which may help account for the price point.
(WA 2nd Jan 2015)
