The 2008 TOURIGA NACIONAL is quite attractive, focused and intense, with a touch of vanilla, but good fruit and aromatics and lovely structure. Of the monovarietal wines reviewed this issue from Cortes de Cima, this is easily the pick of the litter, although a bit pricey, which may be related to the fact that it is in short supply. It also seems a cut above the others, though, and of them all, this one might actually keep improving in the cellar while the others will not hold long at peak. Intense on the finish and with an obvious backbone, it shows an elegant mid-palate followed by some punch and power. It is not particularly complex. Its structure does serve it in good stead, though. I was startled to note that a few hours later it was showing more steel underneath the debonair exterior. This can certainly be a pleasure to drink and should drink beautifully for the next several years. Alentejo is not Portugal’s go-to region for Touriga Nacional, but increasingly Cortes de Cima is making some pretty nice wine here. There were 260 cases produced. Drink now-2019. Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155; Vinos Unico, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 531-3419; Vinum Wine Importers, Seattle, WA; tel: (206) 621-8843.

Such a stylish wine, with its elegant perfumed fruit, fine tannins, acidity, blackberry flavors and a firm structure. This is a wine that could age, although it is certainly ready to drink. ——R.V.(8/1/2011)—— 91