The 2008 Tinto (Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos) is a “big three” blend of Tinta Roriz with Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, aged in a mixture of French and Russian oak for 12 months. At the moment, all it shows is oak and more oak. The flavors are strong and prominent, subsuming the fruit in a haze of vanilla and blueberry. That said, this did show nice structure and some focus, the ability to age and to integrate its oak treatment far better. It is fairly lush for a 2008 and it may yet have some things to show us. Drink now-2017. Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mount Vernon, NY; tel :(914) 664-3155;

A perfumed, new-wood dominated wine, with mint and toast flavors. It has elegance with layers of black berry fruits. At this stage, the wood is dominant, and the wine would benefit from 2–3 years aging.——R.V.(11/1/2011)—— 91