Valcatrina Tinto 2019

Every time we bring you something new from Portugal’s fifth-generation Casa Santos Lima (the third-most awarded estate in the world in 2017, according to the World Ranking of Wine & Spirits), we struggle to fit in all the amazing things to say. And Valcatrina is no different.

We’re really starting to lose track of all the hardware this gorgeous red has accumulated over the last few vintages—but the number of golds, 90+ points and international acclaim is now well into the double digits. And it’s only a matter of time before the 2019 release joins the party.

It’s crafted by the (obviously) talented Diogo Sepúlveda—who’s worked at prestigious estates in Pomerol, Napa Valley and 5-Star James Halliday-rated Turkey Flat Vineyards in Australia’s Barossa Valley. He carefully harvested the best Touriga Nacional (Portugal’s star grape that famously powers Port), Syrah and Alicante Bouschet from Casa Santos Lima’s sun-drenched Alentejano vineyards.

After treating the wine to seven months in French and American oak barriques, Diogo (ever the quality stickler) was finally satisfied with it. And then the cascade of awards began, once again.

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some (trust us: this will sell fast), you can look forward to exuberant, ripe fruit with subtle hints of creamy vanilla oak. The palate is full and bursting with red and black fruit, polished tannins and a long, spicy finish. Hurry.