2022 Luis Seabra Xisto Cru Tinto Douro, Portugal

Aromas of conserved cherries with herbal and floral notes, dark olives and dark berries. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins, combining precision with an expansive flow. Dark fruit flavors, balancing freshness and a long and lovely finish. Made from two 100-year-old vineyards in Cima Corgo. Aged for 18 months. Drink now or hold.

95 points James Suckling

From the rugged, schist carved slopes of the Douro Valley, Luís Seabra has become one of Portugal’s most compelling modern voices, focused on expressing place with precision rather than power. After years working with some of the Douro’s most respected houses, Seabra struck out on his own, seeking higher altitude sites and old vineyards that could deliver freshness, detail and a more transparent style.

Xisto Cru Tinto is very much a reflection of that philosophy. Sourced from old, mixed plantings rooted deep in schist soils, the wine captures both the intensity and the mineral backbone of the Douro, but in a way that feels refined and energetic rather than heavy. These vineyards, often perched at altitude, benefit from cooler nights that help preserve acidity and aromatic lift.

The colour sits in a deep ruby with a vibrant edge. Aromatically it is both wild and precise, red and black berries, blackberry, cherry and plum, layered with dried herbs, crushed rock and a subtle floral lift. There is a savoury, almost ferrous note that speaks clearly of the schist soils.

The palate is beautifully structured yet surprisingly fresh. Dark fruit carries through, framed by fine, slightly firm tannins and a line of acidity that keeps everything taut and focused. There is a distinct mineral thread running from start to finish, along with spice and earthy complexity that build with air. It feels layered and serious, but never heavy, a wine of tension and length.

This is a natural partner for dishes with depth and character. Slow cooked lamb, grilled meats with herbs, or rich vegetable dishes built around lentils and spices all sit comfortably alongside its structure and savoury edge. It also works beautifully with game, where its earthy notes come into play.

It will reward patience, drinking well now with decanting but evolving over ten to fifteen years as it gains further complexity and integration.

There is a real sense of place here, a wine shaped by steep terraces, ancient soils and a winemaker intent on letting the land speak clearly, offering a Douro that feels both traditional and refreshingly modern.