The 2007 TINTO “ODELOUCA RIVER VALLEY” is principally a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon with some Syrah, aged 20 months in new French oak. Despite the long oak treatment, this wine survives quite nicely, showing a lot of elegance and a certain Burgundian demeanor. Very attractive and charming, a little earthy at times, it started as one of my very favorite Algarves in this report, but it did develop a bit of off-putting funk with air that made me think twice. The Trincadeira rearing its head, perhaps? In general, though, it does show well. I confess that I liked it less as time stretched on. It has a tightly wound demeanor and the tannins certainly pop up. It is very well structured, another interesting entrant in this first look at the Algarve. Drink now-2015. There is no USA importer at this time for this new Algarve boutique. The first vintage here was 2006 and the vineyard was planted in 2002. Production rose to 8,000 bottles in 2008. The wines run around 15-16 Euros in Portugal.

The 2008 TINTO “ODELOUCA RIVER VALLEY” is a more or less equal blend of Trincadeira, Aragones and Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop of 10% Syrah added in, aged for 14 months in French oak (2/3rds new). Despite its one year less of age, it seems more accessible after 15 minutes or so than the 2007, rounder and more harmonious. The wine is otherwise fairly comparable, a little cleaner, a little more restrained, the oak notes about even given the difference in age, but likely here to be absorbed better in a year. This is an attractive, well balanced wine that drinks great and has a sunny demeanor. This winery shows promise. Drink now-2017. There is no USA importer at this time for this new Algarve boutique. The first vintage here was 2006 and the vineyard was planted in 2002. Production rose to 8,000 bottles in 2008. The wines run around 15-16 Euros in Portugal.