The 2009 GRANDE RESERVA 'CLASSICO' is a blend of 50% old vines (80+ years) [Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca], and 50% Touriga Nacional, aged in 90% new French oak for 15 months. Beautifully structured and balanced, with grip and intensity on the finish, this lovely Grande Reserva should age well, integrate its oak (too obvious at the moment) and drink very well in its useful life. Like the winery's other Grande Reservas, the longer I had it open, the more impressive it seemed. It will be fun over the years debating which is better. None will disappoint. Aromatic and delicious, this should improve further in the cellar. As it aired out, it became quite expressive, even after having shown a bit closed earlier on. There were 8,000 bottles produced. Drink now-2023. Score - 93. (Mark Squires, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2011)
