Backbone of Quinta dos Malvedos which saw 13 mm of rain in mid September. The blend includes some Sousão for colour and freshness. Plus lots of Touriga Franca from Quinta do Tua, the one with the old terraces (for Stone Terraces) still. Only 230 g per vine from there. Plus wine from two other properties, Quinta da Vila Velha across the river from Malvedos and Quinta do Vale de Malhadas from Douro Superior upriver – mainly Touriga Franca. In volume, 2016 produced 25 to 30% less than in 2011 which wasn’t a big crop. 6,325 cases made, some in the traditional tappit hen size. All the Symington wines had exceptionally deep colours. This one has a particularly deep blackish-purple, still with a blueish hue. On the already-expressive nose I found prunes, something floral and a note of balsam, plus lots of freshness. Relatively open on the palate too. Rather elegant and the hugely sweet fruit almost covers a massive charge of silky tannins. This is almost like a sweet, tannic table wine. Pure and polished. Sweeter than most. One of those wines that some people might easily persuade themselves could be drunk relatively young, Satin textured. 17.5 points

The small production of Graham’s 2016 Vintage bottling consists of 6,325 9-litre cases, including 600 magnums and 352 Tappit Hens. Bottled in June 2018.Extremely deep purplish crimson. Wonderfully pure nose – so direct and intense. Long and schistous somehow. Very fresh fruit quality. Almost like a mouthwash, it’s so pure and brisk. Linear. 18.5 points