The 2016 Branco Duas Quintas is a blend of 55% Rabigato (the most important white grape for Ramos Pinto), 25% Viosinho and 20% Arinto, mostly (90%) unoaked. This has fine body for the regular white and enough acidity. It may not be as crispy as the 2015, but it is fruitier and holds its own in freshness. It finishes well, lingering, dry and serious but always perfectly balanced. It should age surprisingly well, too, although there is no real reason to hold it. Tasted next to it, I also had the 2001 (part of the October report). While that did seem very mature, complex and a little oxidized, it was still a nice drink if you like them older. Most will want to drink this in under a decade, though, or it will enter a very different phase. Overall, this quality for this price is a very fine bargain.

Crisp pear, green herb and citrus flavors are woven together by lively acidity in this spicy white, with flinty notes detailing the finish. Rabigato, Viosinho and Arinto. Drink now. 2,500 cases imported.