Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2017

The 2017 Reserva Old Vines (average age of 70 years) represents 39 of Crasto's 42 plots and/or small vineyards of old vines. In 2017, two were discarded for poor performance, while Maria Teresa (but not Ponte) was bottled separately this year. This was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on lot, in 65% new oak (85/15 French and American) and comes in at 14% alcohol. This was bottled in October 2019, so it had several months of rest when seen. This more understated red is not as attention-getting as some of the other upper-level wines, but it has many bragging points of its own—and a more attractive price point, which makes it a nice compromise between value and quality. Sensually textured, this caresses the mouth with silk and velvet. The mid-palate shows good finesse. Then, it adds fine fruit as it evolves. This graceful wine also shows the ability to flesh out in the glass. It then begins to display more power as well, but it's always well controlled. This is relatively approachable, but it could certainly use another year in bottle (more would help). It should age rather well, holding for 20 or so years from vintage date, at least. There were 90,000 bottles produced.