2018 Joao Cabral Almeida Liquen Alfrocheiro, Dao, Portugal

The 2018 Liquen Alfrocheiro was aged for 14 months in used French oak and comes in at 12.9% alcohol. Lively and even a little tart as it airs out, this relies on freshness and structure more than the big flavors this grape often shows. That said, on the first pour or two it is just laced with delectable raspberry and cherry nuances. It tastes great, even while made in a somewhat understated and always controlled fashion. While there is a little bite on the finish, this is quite drinkable now, as the tannins are rather ripe. It has decent but not exceptional concentration. It is a perfect food wine with a Burgundian flair that should age throughout the decade.  Wine Advocate