The 2008 Duas Quintas Reserva is a blend of Touriga Nacional (40%), Touriga Francesa (40%), Tinta Barca (15%) and Sous?o (5%). About 80% of the juice was aged in 225-liter French oak barrels (a mixture of new, one- and two-years-old). It is revisited this issue as part of our vertical. This adds a huge hit of oak to the regular Tinto reviewed and perhaps even a bit more power. Completely unevolved, this is still showing signs of turning into something more now. It needs to continue to absorb the cream and the blueberry-vanilla nuances, and pull itself together. Considering how brilliantly these have aged, it will certainly have time to do so. As it is evolving at a snail's pace, it is worth extending the drinking window, too. But whereas I marked this down originally for fear the tannins would never resolve, it is now showing signs of awakening and coming around. In some pairings of the regular Tinto with the Reserva, I've waffled on which I preferred as there are pros and cons. Here, though, despite the oak impact, I think we see a wine poised to wind up more complete and less angular than the regular Tinto. Sock it away for another few years, or five. It needs to pull in that oak. It's worth leaning up just now, but it's still about potential. Of the group in this tasting, this is the one that is actually in the most awkward place.

A tannic and powerful black berry fruit driven wine, its weight and concentration fitting well with the overall richness. It is a powerful expression, hinting at minerality while enjoying its opulent character.——R.V.(2/1/2011)—— 91