TN: 2023 Quinta da Taboadella Branco Reserve, Encruzado

[Roy Hersh]

2023 Quinta da Taboadella Branco Reserve, Encruzado - This Dao white wine is a fairly consistent one over the years, and cost 18 Euros. It seemed as if there was likely a small percentage of either Bical or Arinto also in the wine, as it was not as pure in terms of the Encruzado that I am used to from this producer. I could certainly be wrong. Produced by Jorge Alves and Rodrigo Costa, from two separate parcels grown at around 530 m. of elevation. Loads of granitic minerality on the nose, along with hints of underripe pear and lime leaves. I should have held onto this another year or two, but I had not tried the 2023 yet, and I have two more to age, which I believe will be perfectly ready to drink by 2027 and through 2032. Soft, crisp and velvety on the palate, I liked some of their previous vintages better to be honest. 91 points ~ 3/20/25