The 2008 RUBRICA (Rubrica means “signature”) is a blend of Alicante Bouschet (25%), Touriga Nacional (15%), Aragonez (20%), Syrah (25%) and Petit Verdot (15%), aged in French oak for 9 months. It is my pick of the litter of this winery’s offerings this issue. Full bodied, with a hint of earthiness apparent (the Petit Verdot?) and well integrated, ripe tannins, this is a wine that caresses the palate, delivers juicy flavors and seems relatively serious at the same time. While there is not a lot of mid-palate concentration, it is nicely constructed and has some finesse to go with its backbone and concentration. Drink now-2018. These are part of the Wine Project Portugal import portfolio. Winemaker Luis Duarte, a familiar face in the South from his work at places like Herdade dos Grous and Esporao, presents his own portfolio here. Monte do Carrapatelo is Duarte’s property where he resides and debuted with the 2008 vintage. Rapariga da Quinta (meaning “Girl of the Estate”) was established in 2007. The grapes are sourced from S. Miguel de Machede.Importer: Laurel Importers, Bristol, R.I.; tel: (401) 396-9661