A dry and mild winter with steady rain extended into spring and was accompanied by periods of low temps. These factors contributed to abnormal incidences of disease on the vine, particularly mildew, and also a¬ffected flowering. Summer was mild, with occasional heatwaves, and the generally cool nights aided a long and balanced end to maturation. The resulting wines were of superior quality. Esteva 2016 was vinified primarily at the Quinta do Seixo winery, with grapes from higher altitude zones of Quintas Caêdo, Seixo and Porto, all located in Pinhão. The grape bunches were harvested by hand and vinified at Quinta do Seixo, using state-of-the-art equipment. After soft-crushing and destemming, the grapes fermented in stainless steel tanks that allowed for gentle maceration and pumping over, in order to preserve the grapes’ aromas. After maceration, malolactic fermentation took place subject to strictly controlled conditions. The selected wines for the blend spend the winter at Quinta do Seixo in stainless vats. They are subject to low natural temperatures, which contribute to their natural clarification. The final wine is a ruby color. It has an intense aroma of red fruits, with spicy notes of black pepper and light floral hints of rock rose. On the palate, it is smooth with a well-integrated acidity, notes of red fruit, floral nuances and a harmonious finish.