Tasting note

The 2013 Branco is all unoaked Arinto. As with so many estates in 2013, Murta describes the vintage as 'irregular,' with conditions giving the wine both a 'slit vegetable' note and good aging potential. If by 'slit vegetable,' the winery means a bit of a green and herbaceous nuance, that's true, but it is a modest nuance only and it mostly fades with aeration and over time. This is not exactly Sauvignon Blanc, in other words. On the plus side, this has a firm feel to it with excellent supporting acidity and reasonable concentration for the type. It opens with a certain, piercing quality and ends with a persistent and lively finish that becomes rather gripping as the wine warms up. The next day, it remained full in the mouth, but it became more expressive and complex, with some hints of earth. By Day 3, it was gorgeous and perhaps at its best, fresh and sunny. Overall, this plainly leans to structure rather than fat and fruity, but there is nice fruit underneath, too. This is fresh, silky and appealing. For whatever conditions the vintage imparted here, I liked this a lot. Drink 2014-2023. Score - 90. (Mark Squires, robertparker.com, Oct. 2014)