"This boasts a lively mix of dark plum and dried blackberry flavors, flanked by thyme and tarragon accents. Dark chocolate oozes from the finish."

"The 2009 Tinto is this year’s version of Vallado’s entry level red, which has become a consistent value point in this lineup and in the Douro in general. It is rather concentrated this year, with good focus and structure, plus persistent, rather delicious flavors. It is again a nice value in this lineup, something I’ve become accustomed to saying, but I’d underline that this year. In many years, if it has a flaw, it is rather light and not terribly concentrated. This year, at least relatively speaking, it combines both elegance and a bit more depth. It has some 2009 oomph."