The 15th century Quinta de Pancas, north of Lisbon, produces this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine. It has initially lean tannins, but the fruit has spice, black currant fruits and a tight line in wood and final sweetness. For aging.——R.V.(8/1/2010)—— 89

Quinta de Pancas is this company’s latest acquisition, as of May, 2006. Note that the bottles do not yet always carry the Companhia das Quintas label. The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Quinta de Pancas) spent eight months in oak, and is intended for early consumption. It is soft and simple, but reasonably lively and fruity, with a sweet oak overlay. It also seems like Cabernet Sauvignon, which is not something I can say for all the Cabernets I’ve tasted from Portugal. There’s not much underneath and it finishes short, but it provides some value in its price range. It’s soft and simple. With air, there are just some hints of green. Drink this young and fresh for best results. Drink now-2009. Founded in 1999 and formally registered as “Sociedade Agricola da Quinta do Romeira de Cima,” this company trades under the umbrella name Companhia das Quintas (literally, “the Estates Company”), signifying its acquisition and ownership of six Quintas in various regions, the latest acquisition being Quinta de Pancas. As the formal name implies, they are headquartered at Quinta do Romeira, an estate with roots going back to the early 17th century.Importer for Cado: Signature Imports, Mansfield, MA; tel: (800) 667-0750. Importer for Prova Regia and Morgado Sta. Catherina: Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ.; tel. (973) 642-0044. Importer for all other wines: Admiral Wine Imports, Irvington, NJ; tel. (973) 857-2100

Seems relatively mature already, showing herbal, tobacco-like scents and some earthy, loamy flavors. Leather and spice notes add complexity to the dry, dusty finish. ——J.C.(11/1/2006)—— 84

Green peppers and a stemmy quality mar the nose, which is otherwise closed. Fruit then creeps into the picture, but never quite gets its foot through the door. Dry and tannic. Not bad but not all that welcoming.——W.E.(10/1/1999)—— 83