Croft Quinta da Roeda Serikos 2017 (750ML)

97 VM / 97 JS / 18.5 JR

The maiden 2017 Serikos from Croft comes from the oldest vines located in Quinta da Roêda. The name refers to the quinta's involvement in silk production and the texture of the wine. It was picked from August 31 and was notable for the density of its musts from the thick-skinned grapes. Almost opaque in colour, it has a spellbinding bouquet of intense blackcurrant, crushed violet petals and later, star anis and camphor. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannin, a silver bead of acidity that slices through the multi-layered, intense black fruit laced with white pepper and sage. This is endowed with unerring symmetry, predictably a silky texture and outstanding crispiness towards the never-ending finish. Regal. Total production is 2,425 bottles. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Extremely floral with blackberries and blueberries on the nose that follow through to a full body, very sweet yet tannic palate that shows structure and power. Chewy and grippy at the finish. Give it at least four to five years to soften. Try after 2024. - James Suckling

First time this wine has been bottled separately as it makes up at least 50% of the Croft blend. The name Serikos refers to the production of silk on the estate after phylloxera. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca. TA 4.83 g/l, pH 3.82, RS 104 g/l. 2,425 bottles produced.

Dark purple with narrow purple rim. Still packed with fruit but not quite as exuberant as the Croft at this stage. Darker fruited and a touch smoky, rocky. Pure and precise. Gorgeous impression of dryness here, even though of course it is so sweet, the tannins have implausible silky finesse and the whole is in perfect balance. Long and seems so subtle even though of course it is massively concentrated. Supple beauty and more streamlined than many 2017s. (JH) - Jancis Robinson .com