2007 Quinta do Vallado Douro

A powerful and refined red from Portugal, with concentrated flavors of plum, dried cherry and spice. Offers a fine texture, with plenty of savory herbal notes, and a long olive- and smoke-filled finish. Drink now through 2015. (12/ 2009)

Ample, perhaps even formidable (certainly for a $20 wine), this has a beautiful tactile feel to the fruit. It's as plump and sweet as a perfectly ripe red plum, the tannins reserved and elegant, expressed in the soft mode of pencil lead and cedar shavings. Smooth and ready to enjoy, this would make a luscious accompaniment to grilled lamb. (4/ 2010)

The 2007 TINTO is a Douro blend. It is another fine 'regular' Tinto in this very consistent 2007 vintage. This relatively low priced Tinto has a hidden advantage in that a significant portion of its blend (27% this year) is an old vines field blend from 70 year old vines...wines from this estate are always on the more elegant side, it has fine structure and complexity, a certain earthy nuance and some brightness. It is gripping on the finish and should develop a medley of flavors as it ages. It is yet another in the string of regular or second wines in this vintage that perform particularly well at excellent price points. Drink now-2017. (12/ 2009)