The 2005 Merlot / Tinta Miuda is very flavorful, but you may find the flavors odd, a bit on the candied side, with unusual nuances. I can’t say I warmed up to this rather eccentric wine. It is fruity and simple, although it does have decent structure. Drink now-2009. This producer turns out a bevy of value-priced wines, both as single varietals and in somewhat unusual combinations (like Pinot Noir/Touriga Nacional). The owner says, “We look for complementary combinations, and in this particular case, by marrying the Pinot Noir with the Touriga Nacional, the velvet and smoothness of the Pinot softened the tannins of Touriga and on the other hand the Touriga Nacional contributed with a good structure, body and colour to the blend.” Some seem rather eccentric, but the best of them have rather good structure for their price ranges and offer fair values, as the winery has a commendable desire to provide something more than inexpensive fruit bombs.Importers: Tri-Vin Imports, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; tel: (914) 664-3155; Vintage Trading, Waterbury, CT; tel. (203) 926-0894