Fifth Empire Destino

Destino is Fifth Empire’s red blend from Duoro, Portugal D.O.C. in 2015. It is truly a blend with 45% Tinta Roriz grapes, 30% Touriga Franca and 25% Touriga Nacional. It is aged 9 months in French oak. Because it’s aged in French oak, the label claims hints of vanilla, but I didn't get that in scent or flavor. This deep ruby wine is lighter in flavor than the rich color would suggest. It smells like campfire embers. It is juicy but high tannin. It tastes a bit like plum, but it is hard to pick out specific flavors. There was a small amount of tartrates in this bottle, which is usually an indicator of a high quality wine with few added stabilizers.

Winery: Fifth Empire

Wine: Destino

Year/vintage: 2015

Location: Duoro, Portugal D.O.C.

Grapes: 45% Tinta Roriz grapes, 30% Touriga Franca, 25% Touriga Nacional

Color: Deep ruby

Method: Aged 9 months in French oak

Fun Fact: Truly a red blend, this wine unusually has a closer-to-even blend of grapes.

Price: $17