The 2005 TOURIGA NACIONAL is in most years one of the best single varietal reds that Portugal has to offer. This is a very elegant Touriga Nacional, with a relatively modest mid-palate, but delicious young fruit. There are hints of mint and licorice on the finish. Comparing this graceful version to the big and very ripe (perhaps a touch overripe?) 2003 is a study in contrasts. This is focused and precise, with some subtlety. Yet, however restrained it sometimes seems, the fruit is persistent and wonderfully flavorful. There is also power lurking underneath, and some drying tannins appear with air. This fine and flavorful Touriga Nacional was more and more enjoyable the longer it aired out. It could use some time to settle down, but it is surprisingly approachable at the moment, and far more open and expansive, if not quite as deep, than the ’04 was at a similar stage. There were 250 cases imported out of a total produced of 1,580. Drink 2009-2020. Importer: Broadbent Selections, San Francisco, Ca.; (415) 931-1725.