Owned by the Symington family, this is part of Vesuvio''s first foray into DOC Douro table wines. It''s meaty and muscular, built on dark, concentrated fruits with hints of coffee and violets. The soft tannins and long lingering finish greatly increase the wine''s appeal. £19.99

A Pombal is a dovecote (it’s also the name of the Portuguese prime minister who created the Douro demarcation in 1756), and this wine comes from vines close to a dovecote on the Vesuvio estate. It shows smooth, opulent richness with the concentration of low yields. It has wonderful black fruits and a sweet, spicy tannin character.——R.V.(12/15/2009)—— 92