Quinta da Pellada Quinta da Pellada Pape Tinto 2018 750ml

The 2018 Pape is an equal blend of Baga and Touriga Nacional this year and was aged for 30 months in fifth-use French oak. It comes in at 13.2% alcohol. The “PA” stands for Castro’s Outeiro vineyard, owned since 2002 when acquired from Passarela. The “PE” stands for his Pellada vineyard, the famed and familiar property. The Baga comes from Pellada, while the Touriga Nacional is from the oldest block of Outeiro on granitic soil. When last seen, this was fine, but it has evolved well, combining freshness, flavor and complexity. This is well done and it should keep evolving. The earthy Baga has asserted itself for the moment. It may well age better than indicated.