The red 2017 Escalada do Bibei is a little riper than the red from the Sil and, at 13.5% alcohol, it's also riper than the previous vintage and comes through as juicy and chewy, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins and a dry finish.

There is also a red from five field blends from small plots of old vines on the banks of the Bibei River on granite soils. The 2016 Escalada do Bibei has only 12% alcohol and a soft texture and velvety mouthfeel, polished by the élevage and time in bottle, two years ago now. If was foot trodden and matured in 228- and 500-liter oak barrels for 18 months. The wine is modern, clean and expressive, but I'd have liked a little less oak in the aromas and flavors. Despite its age, it still finishes quite tannic, marked by the élevage. It reminded me of some of the reds from Dominio do Bibei across the river. 2,000 bottles were filled in July 2018.