Luis Pato, Vinhas Velhas, Beiras, Portugal, 2010

This old-vine Baga from The Maestro of Bairrada has a brooding dark and spicy, aromatic quality, with concentrated dark berry and plum fruits that have a characterfully gutsy feel that’s distinctively Portuguese and very Baga, with sinewy texture, firmish grip and a twist of astringency. A red that takes no prisoners.