The 2007 TINTO is a Douro blend. It is another fine “regular” Tinto in this very consistent 2007 vintage. This relatively low priced Tinto has a hidden advantage in that a significant portion of its blend (27% this year) is an old vines field blend from 70 year old vines. The young vines portion (defined as 15 years old, which is fine for most people) includes Touriga Franca (25%), Tinta Roriz (20%), Touriga Nacional (20%), Tinta Amarela (5%) and Sousao (3%). Although it does not show a lot of mid-palate depth, noting that the wines from this estate are always on the more elegant side, it has fine structure and complexity, a certain earthy nuance and some brightness. It is gripping on the finish and should develop a medley of flavors as it ages. It is yet another in the string of regular or second wines in this vintage that perform particularly well at excellent price points. Drink now-2017. There are some price drops here over listed prices last year. The Touriga Nacional in particular has dropped dramatically. Marketing continues to be an unpredictable activity in this economy and with these exchange rates. On another note, I’ve liked what I’ve seen in Vallado whites up until now, but with the 2008 releases, they seem to be laying a claim to becoming one of the better white producers in the Douro. They take it seriously—and it shows. The winery has also rebounded nicely from the 2006 off vintage this year.Importer: Quintessential, 1932 Sierra Avenue, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 226-8300.

The 2007 Tinto has as part of its blend (27% this year) a field blend from 70-year-old vines. The young vines portion (defined as 15 years old, which is fine for most) includes Touriga Franca (25%), Tinta Roriz (20%), Touriga Nacional (20%), Tinta Amarela (5%) and Sousao (3%). This is not the Vallado people tend to age most, but in a big vintage, it's worth checking in since I have not seen this since 2009. It will be a useful data point. This has aged beautifully, far exceeding expectations. It is mature, to be sure, but still fresh, elegant and lively. It doesn't seem particularly decayed, although there are plenty of tertiary nuances around the edges and a bit of char. (That last does not bode well for the future if you hold this a long while more.) The juicy and tasty finish is a pleasure. This is a super performance for this level, some 15 years on. I won't guarantee all vintages will age this well, but in the big 2007 year, this held its own. How much longer? At this point, that's hard to say. If well stored, this certainly has life left, but you are better advised to drink it up now, while it is still interesting, than hold it another five years (or more) and be disappointed. For the moment, we'll take the future drinking curve in stages.

From old, mixed planting vineyards in the Quinta do Vallado, this is an impressively complex blend of flavors, from rich spice, smooth tannins, the richest plum juice and a gorgeous, opulent texture. It is ripe, drinkable now, but likely to benefit from several years aging.——R.V.(8/1/2010)—— 94