The 2004 Syrah is fruity, simple and bright, with a sappy note on the finish. Tannins come out with air. It is also a bit sharp, and fairly thin, and the alcohol (14.5%) seems to show at times. Drink now-2008. This producer turns out a bevy of value-priced wines, both as single varietals and in somewhat unusual combinations (like Pinot Noir/Touriga Nacional). The owner says, “We look for complementary combinations, and in this particular case, by marrying the Pinot Noir with the Touriga Nacional, the velvet and smoothness of the Pinot softened the tannins of Touriga and on the other hand the Touriga Nacional contributed with a good structure, body and colour to the blend.” Some seem rather eccentric, but the best of them have rather good structure for their price ranges and offer fair values, as the winery has a commendable desire to provide something more than inexpensive fruit bombs.Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; tel: (914) 664-3155; Vintage Trading, Waterbury, CT; tel. (203) 926-0894

The 2003 Syrah / Castelao is nicely textured, opening with some velvet around the edges which briefly conceals a tannic kick on the finish. The tannins provide some grip here, but the finish is short. There is a hint of an earthy note that I liked on the finish. It is a fair value. Drink now-2011. This producer turns out a bevy of value-priced wines, both as single varietals and in somewhat unusual combinations (like Pinot Noir/Touriga Nacional). The owner says, “We look for complementary combinations, and in this particular case, by marrying the Pinot Noir with the Touriga Nacional, the velvet and smoothness of the Pinot softened the tannins of Touriga and on the other hand the Touriga Nacional contributed with a good structure, body and colour to the blend.” Some seem rather eccentric, but the best of them have rather good structure for their price ranges and offer fair values, as the winery has a commendable desire to provide something more than inexpensive fruit bombs.Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; tel: (914) 664-3155; Vintage Trading, Waterbury, CT; tel. (203) 926-0894