Interesting is the 1999 Trincadeira. Made from the grape of the same name, and aged six months in new oak, this effort from Alentejo reveals intriguing black currant and truffle aromas not dissimilar from a fine Bordeaux. There is excellent richness, austere, Medoc-like tannin in the mid-palate, and fine purity and sweetness. I would love to see how this character-filled Portuguese offering would fare in a blind tasting with classified non-first growth Bordeaux from a moderately tannic vintage. Drink it over the next 5-10 years. Readers who have not yet tried some of the exciting wines emerging from Portugal need to search out this offering from Joao Portugal Ramos. This offering represents an excellent value.FRAN KYSELA, 130 Windy Hill Lane, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; fax (540) 722-9258