The 2007 QUINTA DA GARRIDA ESTATE is a 50/50 blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, fermented in tank and aged in French oak for 12 months. If you wonder what you get upgrading to this from the entry level “Garrida,” that’s easy—depth, finish, structure. This is quite attractive, silky, beautifully constructed and well balanced with that Burgundian grace and elegance in the mid-palate that wines of this region often display. It has a reasonably lingering and bright finish, laced with flavor, but always in context of what the wine is, never artificial. Drink this on the younger side, but it has the structure to hold gracefully for awhile and might even go longer than I think. On a shelf, it should be at an attractive price point. Drink now-2016. Importer for Garrida wines: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620; for Terrugem: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155.

The 2007 GARRIDA, a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Jaen, typical grapes in the region, is usually a friendly and charming wine, easily accessible and at a good price point. So, too, this year. Easygoing and gentle, it flavorful in a restrained sense, with a bright finish. While lacking the concentration and structure to age much, it is a nice value for a house pour in the short term. It is probably at peak now. Drink now-2012. Importer for Garrida wines: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620; for Terrugem: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155.