The 2009 ARAGONEZ “VILA SANTA” is showing a bit of power and preening a bit now, but like most wines in the Vila Santa brand, it should round into form and become harmonious in the near future. That said, this is a pretty nice deal for the price, showing some character, a hint of game as it airs out, and a fair bit of intensity on the finish. It should be available at an attractive enough street price to be a nice everyday wine. Drink now-2018. This lineup is often a good source for values in Portugal. This year’s releases are no different, and perhaps better than most in that regard. There are a lot of beautifully constructed wines here that are charming and inexpensive (ignoring the Reserva “MARQUES DE BORBA,” which has spiked up dramatically in recent years to levels many might find unrealistic). The Vila Santa Reserva Tinto and the Marques de Borba regular Tinto are certainly best buys, but there are good cases to make for the monovarietals and the Loios wines as well.Importers: for Loios, Vila Santa and Quinta da Vicosa brands: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620; for Marques de Borba brand: 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).

The 2007 VILA SANTA, a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira and Touriga Nacional, is beautifully crafted. Gamey, bright, and possessed of a very elegant mid-palate, it seems impeccably balanced and beautifully structured. I suspect the supporting tannins and its impeccable balance will allow this graceful wine to age better than one would think at first sip. With air, the fruit becomes sweet and sexy, a bit too tinged with oak, but I suspect that will integrate. Drink now-2017. 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 2006 VILA SANTA is a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a pretty nice effort in a difficult vintage, sweet and bursting with flavor, approachable, yet with enough structure and balance to age gracefully for a few years. The finish is a bit short, and the mid-palate is on the lighter side, but this is a pleasure to drink, rewarding Ramos’ efforts in this difficult year—no Reserva was made. Drink now-2013. Iconic Southern winemaker Joao Portugal Ramos has many brands, Falua/Vimioso for his Ribatejo property, the low cost Loios brand, the single vineyard Vicosa, Vila Santa and the flagship Marques de Borba in Alentejo. For convenience, they are all grouped here although note that the Falua wines do not necessarily have Ramos’ name on the label.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 2005 TINTO (VILA SANTA) is a blend of Aragones, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira. This has improved over the last year, showing some integration of the oak. It still projects fairly simple, vanilla-scented aromas, but these integrate rather well now with some air. The palate is fruitier, less hidden by the oak overlays. It is a bit foursquare, but always an elegant, pleasant and friendly drink that provides easy going enjoyment. It has the structure to hold a few years. To its credit, it improved after opening, and is better after ninety minutes. Drink now-2014.Importer: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, N.J.; tel: (201) 445-0620.