The 2008 FLOR DE CRASTO is Crasto’s entry level wine, a blend of Tinta Roriz (60%), Touriga Franca (25%) and Touriga Nacional (15%) from young vines in the Douro Superior (planted in 2000) and aged wholly in stainless steel. This bottling was introduced to address a market segment aimed below the regular Tinto. This shows quite nicely this year, fruity but crisp, light but quite pleasing, with hints of earthiness. The tannins are soft and the wine has little upside potential. The principal caution with this and wines like this is to drink it young for best results. It hits peak fast, and is likely to decline just as fast, however long it holds in theory. There were 157,333 bottles produced. Drink now-2012. Importer: Broadbent Selections, San Francisco, Ca.; (415) 931-1725.

This new baby from Crasto is an easygoing wine, full of berry fruits, gentle tannins. It is ready to drink, finishing softly and freshly.——R.V.(11/1/2010)—— 87