The 2007 RESERVA, tasted for the first time in the USA, is lovely. On opening, it is too well marked by oak, but it does integrate fairly well with some air. In comparing this to the Vale de Cavalos reviewed this issue, note that there is a little more overt oak flavor here on first attack, but also that this is a little more aggressive and intense, which may or may not make you happy, depending on your intended use. While this should be more ageworthy, and has a bit more gravitas, even if approachable now, many will be just as happy with the bargain priced Vale de Cavalos, particularly in the short to mid-term. Both wines certainly have elegant mid-palates and considerable charm. Drink now-2020. Importer: HGC Imports, San Jose, CA.; tel. (408) 947-8511

A lean, cool, initially austere wine, well balanced with red berry fruits and a poised elegant structure. The acidity gives great freshness to go with the structure, making a great food wine.——R.V.(4/1/2010)—— 88

The 2005 RESERVA is, like most of this winery’s offerings, a typical Douro blend, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. It is a very nice wine, bright, elegant and well structured, somewhat similar to the Vale de Cavalos in many respects, although tighter and more tannic. Yet, although probably the most ageworthy of the three 2005 reds reviewed this issue, many, I suspect, will be as happy with the Vale de Cavalos, and some will be quite content with the regular Tinto, especially for earlier drinking. That said, this is still well priced and well structured, with nice fruit. It is worth its price tag, likely to be less on the street, even if it is not quite as big of a bargain as the other offerings. There were 1,500 cases produced. Drink 2009-2015. This winery is a relatively new entrant to table wine production in the Douro. The 2005 reds show improvement and they represent good values as well. Overall, this winery increasingly seems to be a valuable addition to the table wine industry in the Douro.Importers: HGC Imports, San Jose, CA.; tel. (408) 947-8511; Monarchia Matt International, Armonk, N.Y.; tel. (877) 273-8466.

A finely structured wine that relishes its blackberry jelly, new wood and dense, concentrated texture. The wine is powerful, firm, certainly rich, but with a sense of restraint that gives it elegance.——R.V.(9/1/2008)—— 90