The 2018 Vertente is a field blend of grapes like Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca aged for 22 months in 90% used French oak. It comes in at 12.6% alcohol. Always one of the winery`s best values, this sometimes hangs with the big boys while coming in at a very nice price point. This year, it`s graceful and textured, adding very ripe tannins on the finish. It is probably a step or two behind the 2017, but still very good. Easy to drink right now, it should still hold at least another decade or so. There were 78,800 bottles produced from vines ranging from 30 to 60 years in age. 89 points