The 2007 Meruge is mostly Tinta Roriz, with 20% "others," i.e., a field blend, aged in a mixture of new and used French barriques for 12 months. Showing a touch of cream from oak, this becomes harmonious and fresher in time, but it starts with sweet fruit and oak. The oak blows off and a heavy touch of game replaces it. With air, it becomes nicely complex and just slightly tight. It is impeccably balanced, walking down the middle of the road just now, and ready to drink. I had this from two separate bottles shipped at different times and the gamey notes were a little more prominent on the first, received some years ago, than on this one, but they both had that feature to some extent. They both showed well and integrated the nuance fairly well. This should continue to drink well for another decade or so, but I would check in occasionally as you get closer to the end of that term.

Wood-aged wine, the fruit spiced up with some firm tannins and chunky fruits. The acidity gives the wine a delicious black plum richness, emphasized by the ripe, dense structure.——R.V.(11/1/2010)—— 91