Symington Family Estates, Pequeno Dilema, Douro, Portugal 2022

A strong mineral backbone holds the framework of this complex yet subtly approachable wine that flows through the palate with assertive freshness. Viosinho, Arinto, Códega do Larinho and a sprinkle of Alvarinho are blended with laidback mastery, for a wine with equal amounts of classicism and energy. White peach, green apple and melon are drenched in white grapefruit juice and sprinkled with white pepper, aniseed and chopped almonds. Aged for ten months in 500-litre French and Hungarian oak barrels - which never comes to the forefront - there's lovely texture and a delicious hint of smoke, adding vividness and depth.