Rita Marques Conceito “Contraste” Branco 2016

“The 2016 Contraste Branco is a field blend fermented in stainless steel tanks (70%) and new French oak barrels (30%). It comes in at 13% alcohol. This handles its modest wood treatment (70% stainless steel, the rest used wood) perfectly. It is barely noticeable. It has good volume for the level and the good freshness I anticipate here, too. Its round and relatively concentrated and full feel is impressive at its level this year, but it is always elegant, too. There is good acidity supporting everything. Then, it finishes with some tension and some traces of herbs. This should age well for the level in good years like this and the 2015. I do like to be conservative in such things, so we’ll take that a bit slowly for the moment, while noting that they may surprise us.” – Mark Squires, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate