1997 Gould Campbell Vintage Port

[Eric Menchen]

Tasted blind. Really really dark, the darkest of those tried thus far, and possibly the darkest of the tasting; certainly in the top. (This was #8 in a lineup of 30 1997 VPs.) Deep aromas to go with the color—this is winter coming. Smells younger than 20 years, with chocolate and blackberry aromas, but these are well integrated, with a hint of grape stem. Vesuvio? Noval? So much primary fruit on the mouth, grape, plum, cherry; almost a fruit bomb. If it weren’t a Port, I might not like all that fruit, but with the alcohol and sweetness, ya’ got me! Wait on this one, or serve with black label Cambozola, stilton with blueberries, or goat cheese cheesecake with red wine grape compote. There is some warmth in the finish, which could be longer. 94 points, with great future potential.