Luís Seabra Vinhos Luís Seabra Vinhos Mono C 2021 750ml

The nose shows aromas of red fruit, cranberries, rosemary and sage. Very aromatic. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with polished tannins and clean fruit flavors. This comes from a single vineyard of castelao, which is rare in Douro. Drink now. (James Suckling)

The 2021 Mono C is the only varietal Castelão from Douro. “It’s an allowed variety in Douro, but this comes from the only Castelão vineyard I know in the region,” Seabra told me. It has a paler color and a higher-pitched nose, with notes of red berries and spices, something earthy and a touch of rusticity. The palate is medium-bodied with some grainy tannins and freshness, a lighter Douro with less color and tannins. It fermented in concrete and matured in concrete and 2,500-liter Italian oak foudre. Some of the wines are not approved by the appellation, and this is one of them. With time in the glass, the balsamic note is more moderate, and it becomes more elegant and floral.