The 2007 GRILOS is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alfrocheiro aged for six months in French oak. The good news on this value priced wine is that it is tasty and sure to be a party favorite. Sweet, exuberant and laced with intense red fruit flavors, it also has some brightness and enough structure to seem like real wine, considering its modest price point. This has many merits, but it is a bit candied on the finish, particularly in its youth, and it sacrifices complexity for easy drinking and rather intense flavor. Still, this is an entry level wine, not Barca Velha. Given its price range, this will be exactly what a lot of folks want for early consumption. If it is to your taste, it is a good value. My enthusiasm was constrained a bit by a hint of funk on the nose that I attributed to some reductive issues, but that did seem to moderate with air. Drink now-2012.
In the aroma, floral notes with jam and chocolate hints, with caramel. Soft in the mouth, round tannins, good freshness, a juicy, light and long red wine.
