The 2009 Tinto is this year’s version of Vallado’s entry level red, which has become a consistent value point in this lineup and in the Douro in general. A blend of 30% Touriga Franca, 25% Touriga Nacional, 20% Tinta Roriz, 20% old vines field blend (70 years or more) and 5% Sousao, it is rather concentrated this year, with good focus and structure, plus persistent, rather delicious flavors. It may be a tiny hair behind the 2007 – time will tell-- but it is on par with the quality I’ve been seeing on this bottling over the last few vintages, showing good concentration and focus for the basic Tinto. It is again a nice value in this lineup, something I’ve become accustomed to saying, but I’d underline that this year. In many years, if it has a flaw, it is rather light and not terribly concentrated. This year, at least relatively speaking, it combines both elegance and a bit more depth. It has some 2009 oomph. Drink now-2019. Importer: Quintessential, Napa, CA; tel. (646) 484-6411

Sousao gives intense color and that, along with its attractive perfume, makes a dense, intensely fruity wine. It is rich and weighty, the tannins well integrated with a ripe, juicy aftertaste. ——R.V.(2/1/2012)—— 90

A rich, ripe, warm wine, smoothed with soft tannins. The open, generous fruit character is given an extra edge with textured wood and acidity. A black, tarry aftertaste adds further complexity. ——R.V.(2/1/2012)—— 89