The 2008 TINTO, the 'core' product from this winery, with just "CORTES DE CIMA" on the front label, was aged for 12 months in a blend of French (80%) and American oak. It is a blend of 52% Aragonez, 39% Syrah, and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional and Petit Verdot (under 5% each). This is an interesting wine, with a lot going on-sweet fruit and a touch of sweet oak underlying an earthier initial demeanor and aromatic. The whole comes together quite nicely in a rather elegant package, soft, gentle and restrained, fruity but showing some character to go with the bursts of flavor. Often one of the best intersections of price and quality in the winery's lineup, this shows rather attractively this year. There were 138,900 bottles produced. Drink now-2017. Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155; Vinos Unico, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 531-3419; Vinum Wine Importers, Seattle, WA; tel: (206) 621-8843.

The 2008 PETIT VERDOT was aged for 14 months in French oak. This is representative of Cortes de Cima's efforts of late to find grapes that handle Alentejo's heat. There's a lot here to like, including pretty good depth and structure, a well conceived whole. It is a rather herbaceous wine, though, with some funk and flavors that not everyone will appreciate. If it is to your liking, you'll like it better than I did. It is certainly a solidly constructed wine. There were just 800 bottles made. Drink now-2017. Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, NY; tel. (914) 664-3155; Vinos Unico, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 531-3419; Vinum Wine Importers, Seattle, WA; tel: (206) 621-8843.

Fresh, fruity, juicy wine with bright raspberry flavors lifted by crisp acidity. The character is light, with just enough tannins to give structure.——R.V.(12/15/2009)—— 86