2019 Howard's Folly Cristina

This wine takes its name from Howard Folly’s vineyard manager – Cristina Francisquinho – who discovered and tends to the special old parcels that are used for the wine. The field blend comes from 100- to 150-year-old vines on the granite-rich foothills of São Mamede in Portalegre (one of the eight subregions of the Alentejo DOC). The 2019 vintage is deep ruby in colour, with gentle aromas of blackcurrant, black plum, cedar and clove. On the palate, it presents vibrant redcurrant and cranberry notes that evolve into ripe blackberry. The smooth tannins and fresh acidity provide ample structure, while the purity of the old-vine fruit and its elegant body make the wine effortlessly sleek. The finish is long, perfumed with violets and further red fruit, offering a refreshing, almost hydrating, sensation, like biting into a pomegranate seed. This is developing wonderfully and will be a pleasure to drink over the next five years and more.