The 2007 TINTO CONDE DE VIMIOSO FALUA is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tin0ta Roriz and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in oak for six months. It is very attractive for its price range, although I suspect it needs to be drunk young. Elegant, flavorful and with a lush, soft texture, it is focused and precise with enough structure to give it a -real wine- feel. It is not just a grapey fruit bomb-although it can seem a touch candied on the finish. The modest structure and mid-palate depth are quite acceptable for the price range. This is going to be a crowd pleaser in this price range. Although it may hold better, I'd drink this young-ish, because when those fruity notes disappear, there may not be a lot left underneath. Drink now-2011. Importers: for Loios, Vila Santa and Quinta da Vicosa brands: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620; for Marques de Borba brand and Red Leg: Signature Imports, Mansfield, MA; tel: (800) 669-0750 (in New England, New Jersey, N.Y.) and HGC Imports, San Jose, CA; tel: (408) 947-8511 (for Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington State and Colorado); for Conde de Vimioso (Falua) brand: Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843 (Washington, Portland and California) and Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044 (New England, New Jersey and New York).

The 2004 “Conde de Vimioso” (Falua – Sociedade de Vinhos) has a little bitterness on the finish. In between, there is some nice fruit, modest depth, and tannins providing grip on the finish and some intensity. This will become rather pleasant, and will probably be better in a year when its fruit develops and its parts knit together. It is elegantly crafted and has fine structure for a wine in this price category. Drink 2007-2012. Ramos is one of the best known names in Southern Portugal, making wines under a variety of labels and in several regions. His labels include the familiar Marques de Borba, as well as Vila Santa. His company also owns Falua in Ribatejo. For convenience, all our grouped here, since they are all Ramos-owned operations. Ramos is also the winemaker at his father-in-law’s estate (separately listed), Quinta de Foz de Arouce. Oh, and just a pet peeve – between Borba, Vila Santa and Falua, Ramos seems to delight in making the vintage dates tiny and/or indistinct. Bring a magnifying glass.Importer: Signature Imports, Mansfield, MA; tel. (800) 667-0750; Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843; Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044