The 2013 Vinha Da Francisca (Quinta Vale D Maria) is an approximate blend of Sousão (50%), Touriga Franca (15%), Tinta Francisca (5%), Rufete (10%) and Touriga Nacional (20%) aged for 22 months in new (65%) and one- and two-year-old (35%) French barriques. Sourced from relatively young vines (planted 2004-2007) compared to Van Zeller's other properties, this still competes very well this year. It's the best yet. On opening, it seems to have a bit more lift and freshness than some of its siblings (although less concentration), but its elegance makes it very attractive. It has a certain Burgundian feel. It is probably the most graceful of Van Zeller's offerings this year. Emphasizing its flavor rather than its concentration, it also has nice support with moderate tannins in the background. Lively and sunny, this is a fine effort in this vintage. Plus, it fleshes out and puts on a bit of needed weight overnight. It should hang together well for the next decade or so, probably more. (Let's be conservative at the moment.) It might also benefit from a year or two in the cellar. In the longer term, it still has some things to prove and I'm less certain it will ultimately hang with some of its better known Van Zeller siblings this issue. At the moment, given its accessible and graceful demeanor, it is the easy pick for "now." Its price point is admittedly going to be a deterrent for many. That is likely related to this: there were just 8,518 bottles produced, plus some larger format bottles.
(WA 31st Dec 2015)
