The 2007 RESERVE PASSAGEM is a traditional blend, heavy on the Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, aged in French oak for 18 months. Unlike the 2006, this has more “l(fā)ift,” a certain bright precision to it and mouthwatering succulence on the finish. This shows astringency on the finish on opening and more intensity than I expected to see. It does not have a lot of mid-palate depth, and is not as lush as the ’06, but it is far more powerful and lingers longer. It is a well focused effort that developed a hint of earthiness as it aired out. It should age well. I liked this Passagem more and more as it aired out, and it is probably the best yet from this estate, beautifully structured and elegant. The producers here intend to produce reserve wines regularly now, when the vintage warrants. Drink now-2018. This is a joint venture between Quinta de La Rosa and Poeira winemaker Jorge Moreira and the Bergqvist family (that owns La Rosa). The fruit is sourced from the Douro Superior at Quinta das Bandeiras. The goal here is to produce somewhat more approachable, fruitier wines, although these releases certainly show fine structure. Passagem means “crossing,” in Portuguese.Importer: Vinum Importing, Redmond, Wa.; tel: (206) 621-8843.