The 2007 MONTE VELHO BRANCO is another nice Monte Velho. This is one of the best buys in most years from a winery that routinely produces a slew of best buys. There’s a formula here, perhaps, but the wine succeeds quite well, maintaining a consistent level of quality from year-to-year. Despite its mass market numbers (90,000 cases produced), it is invariably tasty and charming on release, its only flaw being that it needs to be drunk young. It is a blend of Rabo de Ovelha, Arinto, Perrum and Roupeiro, bright and refreshing, with good body for its price range, a crisp finish and tasty fruit. Compared to some of the other good value whites here, it is on the more refined, gentler side, as opposed to sharp and grassy. It may hold a bit better than the 2006 vintage, but drink young for best results. Drink now-2010. Importers: Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044; for Washington and Oregon only: Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843

An immediately attractive wine, with its richness melding fresh citrus, wood spice and ripe apricot fruits. The wine has a fine green plum skin structure, filled out with delicious sweet acidity.——R.V.(11/1/2008)—— 86