The 2008 TINTO Douro is a typical Douro blend, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Franca produced by Caves Vale do Rodo. Fragrant, earthier as it develops and gripping on the finish, it is bright and tinged with some bitter chocolate nuances at first. Its flavors come out with air, showing a bit of that ripe rhubarb and wild herb nuance I see on some Douro wines these days, but it rounds into form nicely. There is not a lot of mid-palate depth, but it drinks well, has good structure and is likely to have some capacity to hold in the cellar a reasonable time, although it will be approachable young. Drink now-2018. These wines, from Wines and Winemakers by Saven, are meant to create under one brand name (Azul Portugal) a series of wines representing regions in Portugal. Hence, they have Azul Portugal Douro, Azul Portugal Alentejo, and so on. The wines are made for the brand by various winemakers and wineries, who actually produce the wines. As a group, these wines have two things in common: they all have fine structure and they provide a considerable amount of bang for the buck. They drink well for modest money and can easily be confused with more expensive wines. Each one is worth a look.Importer: Iberia Wines & Spirits, East Hartford, CT; tel: (860) 291-8988