The 2005 ALVARINHO SUPERIOR DORADO follows the fine 2004. It seems to me that the ’05 is a bit lighter, but it is perky, bright and succulent, with a penetrating and lingering finish. The finish, in fact, is the best part of this wine, the fruit being driven into the palate by the acidity, and lingering. This wine remains fresh, even though 1/3rd of the barrels went through maloactic. That gives it just hint of roundness, but the wine remains crisp and lively. There was no oak used. Drink now-2010. Genial Marcial Dorado is in fact Spanish, but has chosen to cast his lot on the Portuguese side of the border. He is one of the producers making a mark for Vinho Verde these days and helping to transform its image.Importer: Vieux Vins, Inc., d/b/a The Rare Wine Company, Vineburg, Ca.; tel: (707) 996-4484.