(2015) Once again this wine, a 2012 vintage this time, hits 15.5% alcohol. From a sunny part of the vineyard at the top of the slope, this is made from 'old vines' - a mixed planting of a dozen or more varieties including Bastardo, Moreto, Mourisco Tinto and Rufete as well as more familiar names. Foot trodden as are all of Pinalta's wines, this was aged in small barrels and has lots of gloss, velvet and chocoalte on the nose, there is deep-set black fruit and again a pleasing little lift. Ripe and substantial on the palate, it's mouth-coating stuff but has more flesh and in the end a little more complexity than the Pingo de Lua. Again please note, the price quoted is actually in Euros, not pounds.
(2015) Beware the 15.5% alcohol in this beefy Douro red, the nose of which is plummy and dark, yet not without a glimpse of the more fragrant character of the Touriga Franca, just a touch of something violet-like and lifted. There's a polish to this too, with some creamy oak supporting. In the mouth it is plush and dense, with spices and, yes, a bit of alcoholic heat. A full and powerful style again, perhaps lacking a touch of complexity. Note the price is in Euros from Pinalta.com, not pounds.
(2015) A blend of the estate's grapes, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, this is deep and richly coloured, plush black fruits and hints of smoky spice and chocolate are bountiful and attractive. In the mouth that generous, broad character continues, a big velvetty mouthful of black fruit has a nicely earthy and spicy groundwork beneath it, a bit of roughening tannin and good acid balance, in a dense and powerful wine with a balanced finish. Note the price quoted is in Euros direct from Pinalta, not Pounds.
