The 2009 Tinto “Cortes de Cima,” labeled just that way with only the winery’s name, is the estate blend. In this vintage, it is a blend of Aragonez, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Touriga Nacional. It is often a pretty good value point in the lineup and is again this year. Rather suave and well constructed, this is a nice performance that seems solid, just a bit oak-tinged in its youth. It also features a medley of flavors, no doubt a result of the blend, that gives it character, a little complexity and substance. It is just a little tight around the edges at the moment, but its parts are well integrated and it should drink beautifully young. Drink now-2017. Cortes de Cima’s regular entrants showed quite well this year, the 2009s proving to be a rather successful vintage there. When I first tasted these in Portugal, they didn’t show overly well. A few months to pull themselves together helped a lot as the USA retastings went very well.Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155; Vinos Unico, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 531-3419; Vinum Wine Importers, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843.

A fresh-faced wine, bright with berry fruits, a light layer of tannins and a soft, easy texture. There is some stalkiness but this is great as a delicious, easy wine.——R.V.(8/1/2010)—— 86