The 2008 TINTO is a typical Douro blend of grapes like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz. It may well be a worthy successor the fine 2007, perhaps not quite as charming, but it has its own merits. This ’08 shows good depth for this bottling and a considerable hit of tannins that should hold it in good stead for cellaring. It is exuberant in a fresh, bright, sunny fashion, the structure making it seem invigorating, while the fruit retains good flavor. A little hard-edged and tight on opening, more so, I think, than the ’07 at a similar point in time, this ultimately showed off its sweet fruit and developed into a lovely Tinto. Although approachable now, a year or so to settle down would surely help this. Drink now-2018. Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155;Vinum Importing, Redmond, Wa.; tel: (206) 621-8843; William-Harrison Imports, Manassas, VA; tel: ( 703) 815-9463 ; Masciarelli Wines, Weymouth, MA; tel: (781) 335-6620.

Soft and fruity wine with red plum juice, attractive tannins and a good fresh streak of acidity.——R.V.(11/1/2010)—— 87