Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2017 Touriga Nacional, bottled only about a week before this tasting, was aged for 16 months in 30% new French barriques and comes in at 14.5% alcohol. Big, big fruit starts this off—a hallmark of Vallado's 2017s. Ripe, succulent and expressive, a hint of beef and blue fruits on the palate mingle on the finish after an aromatic start. You expect the aromatics, but the intensity of flavor is a bonus, granting that this is very young and exuberant. Underneath, this shows off some structure too, although the tannins are very ripe. The mid-palate has admirable finesse. This will be a pleasure to drink, not just admire. It could use a couple of years in the cellar, but it is approachable if it does not close down. Winemaker Xito Olazabal said it should hold more than 20 years. It might well.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Bright ruby colour with black pepper notes combined with red berries fruit aromas. It has plenty of plums and cherries notes and a strong mineral character of wet stone aroma. Very rich and complex. The palate is firm with great acidity and a great tannic structure supported by well balanced tannins. Very long and persistent, promising a long life in bottle.

Wine Enthusiast – The vineyard, deep into the hillside above Pinhão, has produced a richly structured wine. It also has an open character, emphasizing fruit and light tannins. Drink from 2024.