The 2010 TINTO “CONDE DE VIMIOSO - COLHEITA SELECCIONADA” is a blend of Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. With a meaty, ripe opening, it resolves into something a little grapier and slightly sweeter. It was aged in oak for 6 months. Very modestly concentrated, it is soft and easy, quite friendly and very tasty. There are hints of ripe tannins around the edges. This has a fair bit of charm, along with some of the limitations you have to expect from a wine in its very modest price range. Drink it young and fresh when it is at its best as it will not hold long at peak. It does offer some value for the money. Drink now-2014. Importers: Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843 ; Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044.

The 2009 TINTO "CONDE DE VIMIOSO - COLHEITA SELECCIONADA" is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in tank and aged in oak for 6 months. Sweet and grapey, but better structured, seeming a bit deeper and slightly more serious than its '09 Falua sibling reviewed this issue, this is quite tasty and should make people happy at its price point for uncomplicated drinking or a house pour. Drink now-2013. After some debate, I have separated this Ribatejo estate out from listings with its Alentejo sibling, Joao Portugal Ramos the principal in each one, but operating under different corporate names in different regions. "Conde de Vimioso" is one of Falua's brand names. Of course, in Portuguese fashion, the brand "Conde de Vimioso" is front and center and the producer name, Falua, is in tiny print on the back label, so perhaps identification of a producer is not as important any way. Not all the wines have the Conde de Vimioso brand name.Importers: Vinum Importing, Redmond, WA; tel. (206) 621-8843 ; Aidil Wines & Liquors, a division of Olde World Imports, Inc., Rahway, NJ; tel. (973) 642-0044.