The 2007 PASSA is charming and bright, fruity and easy, a very nice rendition of an entry level wine. With modest oak treatment, its fruit is pure and clean. If, like most such wines, it has modest structure and depth, it is nonetheless a pleasure to drink. If encountered young, it will win many fans, but it needs to be encountered young as it is the type of wine that may decline fairly rapidly from its peak. I particularly liked its sunny demeanor, which gave it a certain liveliness to add to its fruit forward character, thus making it just a little more than a flabby, easy drinker. Drink now-2011. Prices continue to see-saw here and at other wineries as importers and producers try to account for the economy and exchange rates, as well as more ordinary market concerns. The Reserva is UP, the Passa and Tinto are DOWN, at least according to estimated list prices, which are admittedly sometimes pure fiction (usually on the high side) compared to what happens in the actual marketplace. That said, the Tinto should be a nice value in 2007.Importer: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620

The heavy bottle is the giveaway here—it shouts important wine. It does live up to its billing, with black, brooding fruits and tannins, and a dense core of dusty tannins, brightened with acidity. There is a final firm and spicy aftertaste.——R.V.(8/1/2010)—— 92