The 2008 Touriga Nacional Reserva “Vista TN,” aged for 12 months in French oak, is a mouthful in this vintage, opening rich and chocolatey. It seemed almost too rich. It did acquire some balance rather with aeration, losing a lot of the chocolate and showing good integration of tannins and fruit. It also showed a bit of character, becoming earthy with air, adding a hint of game. This is a nice successor to the 2007, and might be a touch better. In any event, it is a nice mouthful at this price level. Drink now-2017. Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mount Vernon, NY; tel :(914) 664-3155;

From central Portugal, here is a dark, firm wine, perfumed with hints of violets and given depth of flavor by the year’s wood aging. A warm, big-hearted wine with a solid core. ——R.V.(11/1/2011)—— 90