Prats & Symington Prazo de Roriz 2018
2018 started off very dry, with the soils parched by the previous year’s rainfall deficit. However, the spring heralded abundant rain with the months between March and June all recording above-average precipitation, which amply replenished soil water reserves. The wet, cool spring and generally unsettled conditions continued into the summer and resulted in a diminishing of the crop size. Inevitably, the growth cycle of the vine was delayed, but a hot and dry August put maturations back on track. Climatic conditions in early September favored balanced ripening of the berries with good levels of acidity that are reflected in this wine’s balance. The vintage began at the Roriz and Perdiz vineyards on September 17th; the Touriga Nacional was picked from the 20th and the Touriga Franca from the 27th.
The Prazo de Roriz is characterized particularly by red fruit flavors - raspberries and cherries and the Quinta de Roriz terroir provides a distinctive minerality and appealing peppery spice.
Reviews
Lots of spices on the nose. Violets, black currants, cloves, cacao and some dried orange peel, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied and meaty with sleek tannins. Hints of metal shavings.
Plump and expressive, with crushed blueberry, plum sauce and boysenberry compote flavors joined by licorice and fruitcake notes. This has fresh acidity buried deeply in the fruit, which lets everything extend nicely through the singed vanilla–accented finish. Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Drink now through 2024. 6,650 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.—J.M.
Produced from the vineyard of Quinta de Roriz, this wine is the equivalent of a Bordeaux second wine. Its tannins and open fruitiness are both designed for early drinking with attractive red berry fruits and a soft texture.