Casa Ermelinda de Freitas Tinto

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：2853

The 2008 TINTO “PREMIUM” is more complex than the monovarietal wines reviewed this issue. Aged for 4 months in a blend of French and American oak, it is 30% Castelao, 30%Touriga Nacional, 20% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasty, elegant and charming, it has some structure, too, seems less affected by vanilla than some of the other wines here and gets ever more powerful with air, ultimately showing some notes of game and earth on the finish. There are moments when the alcohol is obvious here and there, after long aeration, and that did give me some concern over what the future might hold, but this has a lot going on for its modest price point. There were 10,000 cases produced. Drink 2011-2018. The winery also has a “Dona Ermelinda” brand brought in by another importer. I’m told the other brands are somewhat different blends. They also work with Saven, making wines under “Azul Portugal.”Importer: Vino Cava, Wayne, PA; tel: (610) 688-8415

The 2007 TINTO PREMIUM is a blend of Touriga Nacional (30%), Syrah (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Castelao (30%) aged in French and American oak for 4 months. This is a very fine value, if you like its style. That references the gamey notes, which makes it seem very Rhone-style Syrah. The Syrah seems to be quite dominant early on. Bright around the edges and beautifully balanced, this is aromatic and flavorful, showing bacon fat nuances and roast game. It does not have a lot of mid-palate depth, but it is a pleasure to drink and has some grip on the finish, too. It will show best in its earliest years. This really grew on me as it aired out as it has a lot of character. Factoring in its price, it is my pick of this winery’s group of wines this year. Drink now-2014. Importers: Vino Cava, LLC, Wayne, PA; tel: (610) 688-8415; Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044

The 2006 TINTO is a blend of Touriga Nacional (30%), Syrah (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Castelao (30%, from 40+ year old vines) aged in French and American oak for 4 months. It is a good place to look for a value pickup in this lineup. It is not quite as ageworthy as the 2004 Reserva reviewed this issue, perhaps, but in other respects it is every bit its equal, and some might prefer it for its brighter, pristine fruit. It projects a delicious medley of flavors at different times, cherries, plums, blackberries and a touch of rhubarb. There is some structure here, as tannins provide some grip on the finish. The wine is rather light in the mid-palate, but it is focused, sunny and charming. In a vintage that saw many producers struggle, this is a very good performance for an entry level wine. Drink now-2011. Importers: Vino Cava, LLC, Wayne, PA; tel: (610) 688-8415; Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044