Quinta da Falorca Encruzado Reserva 2018

The 2018 Encruzado Reserva Quinta da Falorca (it also has 5% Malvasia, only because some Malvasia vines are sprinkled in the field blend) was partly (only 10%) aged for two months in new French oak, the rest in stainless steel. It comes in at 13% alcohol. Impressive in mouthfeel, this shows good concentration to go with its freshness and fine finish. The spicy finish is very tasty too. This has the chance to age very well—the producer is even more bullish than I am—and it will also improve over the next several years. This winery that I've always thought of as a red wine giant has suddenly become a fine producer of Encruzado as well. This vintage is a fine example. There were 6,544 bottles produced.