The 2009 Touriga Nacional Follies, from the regional Beiras appellation, was aged for 12 months in 20% new French oak and 80% second year oak. It seems like a great bargain. It adds a layer or two of depth to the Follies blend reviewed this issue while retaining its crisp and charming feel. It adds some earthy overlays as well. It is fresh and well structured, with fine aromatics and some tightness on the finish. It lingers nicely on the finish, too, at times becoming notably powerful. After being open a couple of hours, it became gamier and far earthier, something that may not thrill everyone equally, but certainly added some complexity to this bargain priced wine. This bright, beautifully constructed and refreshing wine has a lot of character and style to go with good concentration for the very modest price level. It can improve with a little cellaring and it should drink nicely for several years. It will be a great food wine. Drink now-2021. Importer: Aveleda, Inc.; Providence, R.I.; tel: (401) 723-0590

Continuing the succession of fine wines from Aveleda’s Quinta da Agueira in Bairrada, this is a powerful, firmly tannic but ultimately smooth wine. It has big ripe swathes of dark plums, figs and refreshing sweet acidity.——R.V.(8/1/2010)—— 92

From the coastal Bairrada region, this wine shows fresh fruit rather than intensity, an elegant blend of berry fruits, tannin and acidity. There is a light chocolate and toast coating to add extra character.——R.V.(12/15/2009)—— 89

Quinta da Aguieira is a property owned by Aveleda in the Bairrada. From there, they have produced a Touriga Nacional wine of high acids, black cherry fruits and a dark streak of tannins, with the richness reserved for the aftertaste. The wine rolls firmly around the mouth, black and tannic. ——R.V.(11/1/2008)—— 89