Robert Parker

Robert Parker

2013 2022
96
"The 2013 Fojo (Quinta Do Fojo), the lagship wine, is an old vines (planted at the end of the 19th Century) ield blend aged for 12 months in new French oak. Although a ield blend, I’m told that Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca predominate. I wasn’t impressed with this when I saw in early summer in Porto as it seemed mute and ungiving, but it has come along beautifully with some time in bottle. Full bodied and gripping, this nonetheless has fine balance. The power, though, means that this is made to age. It wouldn’t be Fojo if it wasn’t, but this modern 2013 Fojo (Quinta Do Fojo) is a bit more approachable than some of the old powerhouses and just a little rounder, perhaps a small concession to modern times. Sometimes surprisingly sexy, it is a wine with a lot of upside that simply coats the palate. Tasted again the next day, this was far better. It put on weight, showed even better balance and pulled in some oak. On the third day, it was better still. It seems quite brilliant. In a tricky vintage, this is a very impressive achievement. If it’s not my favorite 2013 yet--it may well be--it is certainly going on the short list of contenders for Best of Vintage. Although it is surprisingly approachable, in theory, you will need to cellar to get the most it has to offer. It may yet be entitled to an uptick if it comes together as well as I suspect it will. It should age for a couple of decades, maybe a lot more. We’ll see when we get there. No rush.”
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