Famega Vinho Verde

Another beautiful wine from this estate, the 2017 Vacqueyras Prelude (55% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 13% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault) boasts a deep purple color as well as exotic notes of violets, sappy flowers, obvious minerality, and both plum and blueberry-like fruits. As with the Alpha-Omega, it’s elegant and seamless on the palate, with stunning purity of fruit. It’s going to be a hidden gem in the vintage.Rating: 91-94

Vivid ruby. Lively, mineral-tinged red berry, cherry and lavender pastille aromas show very good clarity and pick up a pungent garrigue quality with air. Sappy and energetic on the palate, offering gently sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors that open up steadily on the back half. The mineral note comes back strong on the persistent finish, which is framed by supple, even tannins.Rating: 90-91