The Herdade da Comporta Red 
2007 is a single Estate vineyard farmed blend of 40% Aragonez (known as Tempranillo in Spain), 40% Alicante Bouschet (a cross of French grape Petit Bouschet and Grenache), 10% Touriga Franca (one of the grapes used to make Port) and 10% Trincadeira (another grape used in Port) grown in the Peninsula de Setubal area of Comporta in Southwest Portugal. Each grape varietal was fermented separately in small open top vats and the wine was then blended and aged in Allier French oak barrels. The reason I mention where the oak to make the barrels comes from, Allier, France, is that the forest in Allier is the premier source for the wood for wine casks. The top wines from Bordeaux, for Cognac and for Napa Valley use Allier oak and so does this $19.99 Portuguese wine. Winemakers do not spend the money for top of the line oak barrels for so-so grapes. After the cask aging, the wine was further aged in the bottle for 2 years. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is deep dark, but see-thru slightly rusty ruby red. The nose is blackberry and oak spice, with a little Wrigley’s spearmint gum. This is an elegant wine with balance. This isn’t a stew of flavors, each individual taste is very precise and developed. It starts with rich dark berries, softer strawberry, herbal tea, licorice and fleeting wisp of creamy vanilla. The mid-palate brings a slightly astringent sensation, sweet blueberry, orange zest and tart cranberry juice. The tannins and the acidity are the very definition of balance. The finish is full and nicely long.
The 2007 Herdade da Comporta Red is an expensive wine that don’t cost so much. This is a wine with balance, balance, balance and flavor, flavor, flavor. It is a medium bodied wine, with a touch of elegance. This is definitely a wine that hits much harder than its price point.
this wine was received as a sample
