2006 Flor de Crasto Douro 12.5%
A budget offering from Quinta do Crasto, made from purchased grapes and only available in selected markets, presumably because this competes with their other budget bottling, the more expensive "Crasto", also made from purchased grapes. A blend Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, with less alcohol than the regular Crasto's 14.0%. Label says it is fermented for 10 days in open stainless steel tanks with mechanical pigeage. Aromas of ripe plums and some light cocoa. Vibrant acidity and a queer iodine note, that becomes stronger and stronger until it becomes dominant. Even with food, the acidity remains stronger than the sweetness, and overwhelms the simple, pleasant fruit, while the iodine makes pleasure impossible. Too bad, I so wanted to like this...