The 2009 Tinto is a typical Douro field blend of grapes, mainly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, from the older vineyards at La Rosa. It was fermented in tank and aged in French oak. If this isn’t the best regular Tinto from the winery, it surely has to be on the short list. Call it another of the lesser wines in Douro that got a bit of a lift from the rich 2009 vintage. Richly flavored, yet with strong nuances of earth and minerals and adding the depth the douRosa bottling does not have, it is elegant and utterly charming, approachable young and best enjoyed in the short to mid-term. Despite its elegance, it was able to flesh out in the glass and show some intensity with aeration, a tannic burst on the finish. It is both delicious and carefully crafted. The winery recommends holding it 5-8 years. It should easily be good through the latter part of that range, maybe longer. Drink now-2017. 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; Connoisseurs Wines, Niles, IL; (tel.): (847) 588-1300; WineWise/The Vienna Wine Company, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 848 6879

Exhibiting all the richness of the 2009 vintage, this is a serious, concentrated wine. The red fruits are deliciously juicy as well as layered with firm tannins. Ripe fruit is just waiting to burst out, but wait for two years. ——R.V.(2/1/2012)—— 91