Eleven Sons Tu Rigoles Touriga Nacional 2023

Eleven Sons Tu Rigoles Touriga Nacional comes from the Pyrenees, where Mitch Sokolin has worked with this Portuguese variety that was widely planted by growers to complement fortified wine production. Mitch spent time in Portugal (winemaking and surfing), and makes several table wines from Touriga that are tangentially inspired by his time in Portugal. 

The wine is handled with restraint, avoiding the heavier extraction and oak often associated with Touriga Nacional. The 2023 sits in a mid-weight register, with dark berry fruit, dried herbs, and a faint ferrous edge, carried by firm tannins and a clean line of acidity.

Mitch's winery is based in Torquay, and he makes wine on the Limestone Coast, but also sources fruit from the Pyrenees and Heathcote for several wines. All of his wines are bottled without additions. 

The intricate literary references and metaphors are rather perfect reflections of the wines Mitch produces. Thoroughly enjoyable to drink, but intellectual, intricate, and cerebrally stimulating.