Escolha, Quinta de Azevedo, `Torre` Grande Escolha 2022, Portugal

Julia Harding MW for JancisRobinson

17 points
This smells richer and riper than the 2023s – Loureiro and Alvarinho varietals – just tasted, with aromas of pear and clementine as well as ripe citrus and a light herbal note. There's a creamy richness that reveals the light oak influence, which shows a little more on the palate than on the nose. Big, creamy, generous and deliciously fresh. A definite step up from the two Escolha 2023s just tasted. More depth and length and, I think, greater ageing capacity, though it is lovely now. Sour-fresh pear on the finish and just that slight creaminess. Pure and crisp, persistent.