The 2008 TINTO MARQUES DE BORBA is principally a blend of Aragonez (a.k.a., Tempranillo) and Trincadeira. Grapey and exuberant, it is softly textured and seems almost like a barrel sample at the moment. With air, the fruit asserts itself and it becomes quite delicious. As is fairly typical for this Tinto, there is a modest finish and not a lot of mid-palate concentration, but it drinks quite nicely and provides some bang for the buck. Drink now-2016. Importers: for Loios, Vila Santa and Quinta da Vicosa brands: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620; for Marques de Borba brand and Red Leg: Signature Imports, Mansfield, MA; tel: (800) 669-0750 (in New England, New Jersey, N.Y.) and HGC Imports, San Jose, CA; tel: (408) 947-8511 (for Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington State and Colorado); for Conde de Vimioso (Falua) brand: Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843 (Washington, Portland and California) and Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044 (New England, New Jersey and New York).

This popular wine is about fresh fruit, vividly displayed with red cherries and red plum flavors, light tannins and easy acidity. To drink now.——R.V.(4/1/2010)—— 85