The 2006 TINTO is a blend of old (70+ years, 25% of the cuvee) and young (8-12 years) vines. It is a blend of Touriga Nacional (25%), Touriga Franca (20%) and the rest a typical Douro field blend. 85% of the final blend was aged for 14 months in stainless steel. It has good color and beautiful aromatics. It also tastes pretty good, nuanced with plum notes. There are ripe tannins around the edges. As one might expect in this vintage, the mid-palate is very light and the finish tails off. This is a charming wine that will likely be early maturing. There were 10,583 cases produced. Drink now-2013. Importer: Quintessential, Napa, CA; tel. (914) 725-3479.

The entry-level wine from Vallado is ripe, which emphasizes the red fruits, leaving the structure as a support. Flavors of black figs, dark cherries and tight spice all give interest and complexity. Drink now.——R.V.(4/1/2009)—— 85