At a glance

Producer

Cinder Bay

Region

Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

Grape variety

Touriga Nacional

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$40

Tasting profile

Dark berry fruits, floral notes, herbal complexity, underlying minerality, with youthful tannins

Evolution: Fruit will mature to dried berry, spice and earth notes will deepen, tannins soften over next 5-10 years

At peak: Complex bouquet with integrated tannins, lush dark fruit, and balanced acidity

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus acidity for freshness

Tannins

Firm and structured

Alcohol

Moderate to slightly elevated (~14-14.5%)

Aging potential

15+ years expected due to grape variety and producer quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2032

Optimal window

2022 to 2032

Current status

Approaching early maturity with good cellaring potential

Current condition

Reaching good balance, tannins still firm but integrated

Touriga Nacional is a thick-skinned Portuguese red grape variety known for tannic structure, dark fruit, and aging potential. Washington State producers like Cinder Bay craft age-worthy examples benefiting from cooler climate and careful vinification, enabling at least 15 years of cellaring. This 2017 from a reputable Washington producer sits in an ideal drinking window, with peak drinking projected for mid-2020s to early 2030s.

Food pairing

Grilled or roasted red meats, hearty stews, game dishes, hard cheeses, and smoked sausages

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (60-90 minutes) — To soften firm tannins and allow aromatic development

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of cover crops, drip irrigation to conserve water, solar panels on winery, minimal chemical intervention

Cinder Bay follows sustainable farming standards with a focus on water conservation and energy efficiency. Their local distribution footprint within the US lowers carbon emissions compared to international transport. While not certified organic or biodynamic, their sustainable farming and renewable energy use contribute positively to environmental impact.