1999 Vinha do Fojo Douro

The 1999 Vinha Do Fojo is an old vines field blend aged for ten months in French oak (half new, half used). As we move to the younger wines in this issue's mini-vertical (relatively speaking), it is surprising how tight and powerful they can seem with just another year or so of youth compared to their older siblings. Showing some complexity, some hints of tobacco and charcoal, this then adds a layer of acidity. When I first saw this, I thought it was very rustic and that is still very much the case. It's not particularly fleshy, but there are plenty of tannins. (MS)