Altano, Douro (Portugal) 2004

($7, Vineyard Brands): For a couple of decades, Port producers have been investing time and money to produce dry red table (non-fortified) wines from grapes traditionally grown in the Douro Valley, home to Port production.  Their efforts are paying off.  This attractive blend of classic grapes used for Port (Tinto Roriz and Touriga Franca, 40 and 60%, respectively) has produced a succulent, yet spicy, balanced wine. It retains regional character instead of getting lost in an international–and increasingly anonymous–style. 88 Michael Apstein Apr 10, 2007