Ramos Reserva 2010, VR Alentejano (£8.49 Majestic)
Still on the young side, but shows plenty of warm, juicy red berry and blackberry fruit backed up by spicy vanilla notes, a touch of boot polish just lets it down. B+

Quinta de Foz de Arouce 2008, Beiras (~£13 contact Oakley Wine Agencies)
Starts off in brooding style, showing some peppery violet perfume, but otherwise rather mute. Give it time however, and it blossoms, revealing rich dark berry fruit, notes of orange peel and spicy gingerbread and a fresh but still chewy finish. Very tasty, very promising. S(-)

Tagus Ridge Red Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Touriga Nacional 2009, VR Tejo (£7.99 Morrisons)
I like the warm, spicy, blackcurrant, plum and berry fruit and notes of tobacco, I can cope with the barnyardy notes, but I’m not as much of a fan of the too-dry tannic finish. B-

Cedro do Noval 2007, VR Duriense (£15.50-£18.35 The Wine Society, Berry Bros & Rudd)
Shows perky plum, cherry and berry fruit, plus notes of spicy tobacco and wood-fire ash, and an almost Mediterranean-like hint of ppery olives on the finish. Fruit is fresh, structure is supple – bring on the rare roast beef. S