The 2008 “Os Corvos Da Vinha Da Costa” is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Syrah and Merlot. As I’ve seen before, this opens with a rather gamey nose – the Syrah asserting itself? Once past that, though, it seems all structure and not much fruit, with some power on the finish and rather high acidity that makes it a touch tart and charmless at times. Some fruit sneaks in there at times and may assert itself more with a little more air or cellaring. There is some power here for this price range, and it has a lot going on. Not everything going on will be pleasing to all drinkers, though. Drink now-2015. Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155

The 2005 OS CORVOS DA VINHA DA COSTA is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Syrah and Merlot. This opens with a rather gamey nose. Lush and smoothly textured, the wine feels full in the mouth on first taste, but there is not quite as much underneath as there seems to be. It falls off fairly quickly. It has some character and nice mouthfeel. It is a reasonable value in its price range. Drink now-2011. Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155

The 2004 “Os Corvos da Vinha da Costa” is grapy and sweet in the mid-palate, but also fairly high in acidity, which dual aspect gives it a sweet ‘n’ sour nuance. The wine is relatively soft in terms of tannins, and has hints of game on the finish, too. The blend includes Tinta Roriz, Syrah and Merlot. The wine improved with half an hour or so of air, becoming pleasant enough, although simple and short. Drink now-2010. Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155