The 2014 Vinha da Francisca (Quinta Vale D. Maria) is a blend of Sousão (50%), Touriga Nacional (20%) and Touriga Franca (15%), with Rufete and Tinta Francisca for the rest, approximately. It was aged for 22 months in a 65/35 mixture of new and used French barriques. Last seen about five years back, making this one of the youngest wines in our reevaluations, this brand used to be under Lemos & Van Zeller. (That changed with Aveleda's purchase of Vale D. Maria.) It was one of the nicer 2014s that I saw, although a step short of the greatest vintages. This has rounded into form nicely, showing understatement and harmony. There isn't a lot of power, and it doesn't seem overly concentrated, but there is occasionally some firmness on the finish. Plus, the fruit is tasty and has some character, the texture is mouth coating, and this drinks great. This is a perfect time to drink this graceful Tinto. It may acquire some complexity with more age, but I doubt it will become better overall. It will hold, but it doesn't seem poised to be a brilliant ager. In the context of the vintage, though, it is a fine effort. There were just 8,681 bottles produced, plus some large format bottles.
(WA 23rd Mar 2023)
