The 2008 Tinto “Q” (Quartilho) is a blend of Castelao, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet, from vines with average ages ranging from 25-50 years, aged in French oak for 6 months. As always, this is elegant, although rather compact this year and at this point in its life. It is, however, quite charming, laid back and easy going. I especially liked its bright, sunny finish, infused with flavor and quite succulent. It does thin fast and it is likely at peak now. Drink up soon for best results. Drink now-2014. Importers: For all wines except Quartilho and Capoeira brands: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155; for Quartilho and Capoeira wines only: Vino Cava, LLC, Wayne, PA; tel. (610) 688-8415

The 2007 TINTO “Q” (QUARTILHO) is a blend of Castelao, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet, from vines with average ages ranging from 25-50 years, the winery says, which is hardly the norm for wines in this price category. With intensely flavorful grapes comprising the blend (but for the Trincadeira), you expect some overt flavors and strong aromatics, and this has it in spades, giving the wine a sexy, delectable demeanor, laced with cherry and raspberry nuances. That’s not all this has, though; it is by no means a jammy fruit bomb. In fact, it is rather sharp and disjointed on opening. It comes around well with air, evolving slowly but beautifully in the glass and developing some velvet on its texture. It is bright and seems rather dense for a wine in this modest price range, although it does thin with aeration, while showing good structure as well. It is another fine value from this winery. It will probably be at its best in over the next few years, but it should hold fairly well. Drink now-2017. Importer: For all wines except Quartilho and Capoeira brands: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; tel: (914) 664-3155; for Quartilho and Capoeira wines only: Vino Cava, LLC, Wayne, PA; tel: (610) 688-8415

The 2006 TINTO QUARTILHO, with just the big “Q” on the front label, is 60% Castelao, 30% Trincadeira and 10% Alicante Bouschet. It was aged for 4 months in a combination of new and used French oak. It is a straightforward wine, but well balanced, with good flavor and more intensity than its Capoeira sibling reviewed this issue. The mid-palate concentration is suspect here and the finish is short, but for a wine in its price category in this vintage, it is a pretty pleasant performance. Drink it younger and you may like it better. Drink now-2011. The wines at this estate fall largely into the value category. The whites, in particular, can sometimes be good deals and outperform their price classification.Importer: For all wines except Quartilho and Capoeira brands: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; tel: (914) 664-3155; for Quartilho and Capoeira wines only: Vino Cava, LLC, Wayne, PA; tel: (610) 688-8415