Louis Duarte Rubrica Red 750ml

The 2015 Rubrica (a single-vineyard offering from Carrapatelo) is a blend of 30% Alicante Bouschet, 15% Aragonez, 23% Touriga Nacional, 11% Petit Verdot, 13% Syrah and 8% Tinta Miúda, all aged for 12 months in 75% new French oak. It comes in at 14% alcohol. This kitchen-sink blend is big on nuance, rather than fruitiness, but it also best shows off the winery's style here. This is all about finesse. It has a wonderfully elegant mid-palate while still seeming concentrated rather than thin. As it airs out, it shows off its beautiful structure. It's tightly wound and long on the finish. The finish is laced with some hints of roast beef. I could make an argument that the Reserva Carrapatelo this issue is more interesting—it is certainly more intensely flavorful and even fresher—but this perfectly crafted Tinto is sophisticated and refined, very old school in those ways. It won't hit you over the head and make you say "wow," but you'll just want to drink it. Wine Advocate