At first, the aromas of this deep purple wine are of just-picked grapes and new wine, but it soon evolves in the glass to a dark fruitiness. And on the palate, the wine is light at first, but becomes bigger and then gives up dark fruit with accents of wild, spicy herbs, even cinnamon bark. More reminiscent of the untended hillsides than the centuries-old vineyards along the banks of the Douro River. A well-balanced wine, this works solidly with beef and other simple stews. Recommended: 90 — BSE
WHO: Quinta Dos Murcas
WHAT: Red Blend
WHERE: Douro, Portugal
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $30 (media sample)