Although it lacks the creamy crispness of Alavarinho from Vinho Verde, this certainly has the right lemon and cantaloup melon flavors. There is a lift and freshness to it, aided by the tight pear skin structure. The finish is a letdown, though, with a cardboard and green pea character.——R.V.(8/1/2009)—— 84

It’s rare to find Alvarinho—a grape from the northern Vinho Verde region—this far south in Portugal. It lacks the crisp, creamy focus of a northern wine, but with its green plums and light, structured flavors, it is pleasant, if unexciting.——R.V.(7/1/2008)—— 86