The 2017 Meruge is an 80/20 blend of Tinta Roriz and a field blend from old vines (45+ years), all aged for 14 to 18 months (depending on lot) in new French oak. It comes in at 14% alcohol. This is always an elegant bottling in terms of its mid-palate. Mostly, that is true this year as well. It has better structure than some of the lower-level reds and some grip on the finish. In structure and finesse, it is a step up. The wood, however, gives this a generic feel just now. The wine is creamy, soft and laced with vanilla. While the structure is a bit of a step up on the lower level, it is still fairly modest. Ultimately, if this can pull in the wood, it should be a graceful red, a nice restaurant wine and a house pour with a little distinction. Give it a year in the cellar—more for the oak and development than the modest tannins. It will probably improve.