The 2009 Tinto, the winery’s flagship label, is a blend of Touriga Nacional (57%), Touriga Franca (35%), with 5% Tinta Barroca and just 3% Tinta Roriz – most of that went into the Meandro this year. Quite powerful, this is more refined than the Meandro; it shows more finesse and elegance in the mid-palate, while remaining intense on the finish. Like the Meandro, it is in a difficult place at the moment and really needs some time to come around, but I think the combination of intensity, structure and finesse are going to make this a big winner as time goes on. This is a powerful wine – let it settle down. It may be approachable sooner, and my drinking windows accounts for that, but I really suspect it won’t get anywhere near peak until about 2016-2019. There were 2,300 cases produced. Drink 2014-2025. Importer: W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY; tel. (914) 251-3209.

Ripe, lively violet and cherry bouquet. Juicy, mouthfilling fruit, a savoury, smoky complexity and careful oak influence. It has nice concentration and is well poised. Approachable and engaging. Drink: 2012-2016. Alc: 14.5%. (17.67 points)