The 2002 “Vinha Grande” (Casa Ferreirinha) is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, from various Quintas. Soft, with very ripe tannins, it is not a terrible performance for a wine of this level in this vintage 8 years on. I think a lot of people will enjoy the sweet oak, licorice and vanilla nuances. It does seem like it depends more on oak than anything else for its initial flavors, though, and there is only modest mid-palate concentration underneath. Aeration helped with the oak overlay, but at that point there wasn’t much wine left as it exposed fruit that was aging quite fast. I liked it less as time went on. It has no place to go but down. Drink now.Importer: Evaton, Inc, Stamford, Ct.; tel: (203) 968-8220 for wines under Sogrape’s own label; for Casa Ferreirinha wines, indicating wines Sogrape acquired from the Ferreira house: Broadbent Selections, San Francisco, Ca.; tel: (415) 931-1725.

From Ferreira’s own vineyards in the Douro, this smooth, ripe, wood laden wine is spicy, with blackberry fruits, a shot of dark tannins, and fresh, juicy acidity. Age for another 2–3 years before drinking.——R.V.(9/1/2007)—— 88