The 2007 TINTO MARQUES DE BORBA is a blend of Aragonez (a.k.a., Tempranillo) and Trincadeira. It is bright, with good acidity, big red fruit flavors and a luscious finish. The mid-palate is on the lighter side, but a step above its -07 sibling, the Vimioso Tinto reviewed this issue from the winery's sister property in Ribatejo. As it airs out, it even displays a little complexity to go with the flavorful fruit. This is a nicely wrought wine at a good price point. It lacks the ageworthiness of the Borba Reservas, to be sure, but considering that the Reserva is now five times the price, some may be happy stopping here rather than trading up. Another good alternative is the -05 Vimioso Reserva, the steal of Ramos- current releases. Drink now-2015.Importers: for Loios, Vila Santa and Quinta da Vicosa brands: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620; for Marques de Borba brand and Red Leg: Signature Imports, Mansfield, MA; tel: (800) 669-0750 (in New England, New Jersey, N.Y.) and HGC Imports, San Jose, CA; tel: (408) 947-8511 (for Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington State and Colorado); for Conde de Vimioso (Falua) brand: Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843 (Washington, Portland and California) and Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044 (New England, New Jersey and New York).

Portugal’s popular brand is a lively, fresh, spice- and dried fruit-flavored wine. There are flavors of pound cake and nutmeg surrounding a core of solid, firm tannins. Great with food, this is not for aging. ——R.V.(11/1/2008)—— 87