The 2009 Tinto is 60% Tinta Roriz, 25% Touriga Nacional and 15% Touriga Franca, aged for 9 months in a combination of new and used French oak. This has a powerful herbal note and a sour cherry demeanor, in short, a flavor profile and aromatic note that seems both unusual and a bit offputting, something I’ve occasionally noted in some Douro wines before, and something that wasn’t quite so obvious in the bottling I saw in Douro. It has nice elegance and structure, but I suspect it is going to be hard for most to warm up to this. It will be interesting to see if any of this blows off – sometimes it does. Drink now-2017. Importer for Portal’s own brand: M Imports, Coppell, TX; tel. (214) 505-0616; for Duradero and Peccatore: Iberia Wines & Spirits, East Hartford, CT; tel. (860) 291-8988

The 2008 TINTO is a blend of 60% Tinta Roriz, 25% Touriga Nacional and 15% Touriga Franca, aged in 40% new and 60% old French oak for 9 months. Powerful, clean, stern and crisp, this Tinto shows a lot of power on opening, but not a whole lot of charm. After two hours of aeration, it seemed closed completely, but it finally began to emerge and come around, seeming pure and airy, juicy and fresh. This is an interesting wine, but it is going to have to prove some things into the cellar. I tend to think it will be a success and if it comes around the way I think it will, it could be a serious bargain, an ageworthy wine under $20. Be a little patient, though, for best results. At least at this early point in its development, it took a good 3 hours before I was sure it was going someplace good. Drink 2012-2021. The pretty labels are always fun, but reality beckons—this estate is increasingly a major player in the Douro.Importer: M Imports, Coppell, TX; tel: (214) 505-0616.

Perfumed, fresh, attractive wine. It feels light in character, the texture open, showing jelly fruit character as well as ripe fruit. There is a perfumed rosehip aftertaste. ——R.V.(4/1/2011)—— 88

The opaque purple-colored 2007 Quinta do Portal Vintage Port presents an already complex nose of Asian spices, pepper, licorice, and blackberry that leaps from the glass. This leads to a smooth-textured, plush, medium-weight Port with plenty of succulent fruit, good concentration and the balance to evolve for 8-10 years. It should still be drinking well on its 20th birthday.Importer: M Imports, Coppell, TX; no contact information available.

The 2007 TINTO is graceful and charming, bright and flavorful, without a lot of mid-palate concentration, but excellent focus and a nice finish for its price range. As a value priced and entry level wine, it is quite appealing, focused and intense. Drink now-2016. This estate, with the pretty labels, is increasingly a player in the Douro. In the difficult 2006 vintage, the winery turned out pretty respectable performances. The 2007s look very successful and at the lower end are very good values.Importer: M Imports, Coppell, TX; tel: (214) 505-0616.