The 2008 RESERVA is 25% Touriga Nacional (from 10-15 year old vines) and 75% an old vines field blend (from 80+ year old vines) aged in new French oak for 17 months. This is a superb Reserva, built for the long haul, with powerful tannins and some astringency on the finish, a worthy competitor to the fine ’07 Reserva, making this a formidable one-two punch from Vallado. It has the best mid-palate concentration of this group of wines, and it should hold up to the tannins. The wine is already—partly!-- absorbing the oak, and seems better balanced the longer it airs out. It drank nicely the next day. Pointed and likely to develop quite well, this is a rather fine performance from Vallado. There were 15,810 bottles produced. Drink 2012-2026. The 2008 vintage in Portugal is probably not quite as consistent for reds as the 2007 vintage, and they are certainly differently styled, a little crisper and pointed, but on a winery-by-winery basis, some people did as well or better. Vallado seems to have put together a superb 2008 vintage. The wines seem bright and focused, with the structure to age and develop in the cellar. They are wines worth seeking out.Importer: Quintessential, 1932 Sierra Avenue, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 226-8300.

A vineyard selection from mature vines, the wine has tannins that meld easily into the firm, dark fruits, layered with acidity. It has a muscular quality, balanced by an elegant texture, bringing together the concentration of old vines and freshness from delicious red berry flavors.——R.V.(11/1/2010)—— 92