The 2006 PASSAGEM is surprisingly powerful, even a little astringent on the finish. It is a Douro blend similar to the ’07 Reserve reviewed this issue, principally Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional. There is a certain tartness on the back end, and despite the lush feel up front, this has some focus. It was a pretty respectable effort for a new project in an off vintage and it should hold reasonably well in the cellar, but tasting this next to the 2007 shows the difference in the vintages. The ’06 seems respectable, but next to the ’07 it is seems a bit dull, lifeless, short in finish and lacking in vibrancy. Drink now-2015. 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.