The 2004 SOBERANA is the second wine produced by Soberanas, a blend of Alicante Bouschet (33%), Trincadeira (31%), Aragonez (16%), Alfrocheiro (13%) and Tinta Caiada (7%) aged in new French oak for 12 months. It is well balanced and bright, with an elegant mid-palate and some grip on the finish, but not much mid-palate flesh, although it does expand a bit in the glass. The very different grapes here contribute different aromas and flavors at different times as the wine evolves, making the wine sometimes earthy and herbal, sometimes bright and cherry-nuanced. There is, though, a noticeable gamey nuance on the nose which eventually wins the day. At its Portuguese price of 7.5 Euros, this is a pretty fair deal. Drink now-2013. There is no USA importer at this time, although there likely will be one soon.