The 2005 Meruge is a blend of 70% Tinta Roriz, 10% Touriga Nacional and 20% "others," i.e., a field blend, aged in a mixture of new and used French oak for 12 months. Considering how I felt about this when it was young, it has come along well. The reductive aromatics that I noted are generally gone, at least from this bottle. It is a bit more precise and pointed than the 2003, its predecessor, but nowhere near as seductive and sexy. Take your pick. They are both showing rather well now and they are nice if somewhat straightforward drinks, both ready but with a reasonable amount of time left.

A delicious, ripe and rich wine, with exuberant new wood and black plum flavor. It explodes in the mouth, the fruit bursting out, the wood never too dominant. Drinkable now, but should age.——R.V.(11/1/2008)—— 92