Event: 2015 Offley, Cockburn, Dow, and Barros LBVs

[Lucas S]

Went through one more round of 2015 LBVs. Likely doing some 2016s next. Tasted Blind, 7 hour decant.

2015 Offley LBV
Red cherry and an interesting watermelon aroma, also quite floral, very enticing. Very easy to drink and clean on entry, red fruits and floral. Smooth and balanced. WOTN on the first day, but was a tad less enchanting the second day, this is definitely the best pop n' pour but be wary it is a little hot early on. The only one with a driven cork yet it doesn't seem like one for extensive aging. Drink soonish and be merry. 91

2015 Cockburn LBV
Sweetest of them all, light yet concentrated, and silky smooth, red fruits only here. Quite similar profile to the Offley, but the Offley edges it out in concentration. Not notably tannic and not for extended aging. Seemed like an above average reserve ruby at first, but the next day it was very good when fully opened up. Of note, Cockburn was the only one that declared 2015 so this one might have less "VP grapes" in it. 90

2015 Dow LBV
Quite concentrated and peppery at first, has 2nd most tannins but they are somewhat approachable now. It seems that the grapes that went into this were quite ripe. Was much better on second day, showing sweetness. Flavor profile is merely good with dark fruits, but doesn't stand out. The Cockburn is slightly more interesting drinking right now but this one is likely to be better in a few years. 89

2015 Barros LBV
Strange aroma with tar and raspberry. Woody and ripe flavor profile. Sipping it is fine, but once you take a proper swig of this it's too acidic and overpowering - sharp in the back of the tongue. Plenty of tannins here that are not ready either, the one that should age the longest but I'm not too optimistic about the flavor it will deliver. 88

By pure coincidence the 2015 Sogrape LBVs won both nights. Unlike the other round, most of these (Offley excepted) were filtered LBVs and you can certainly tell the difference, it's just seems like there is less concentration. For cellaring, the 2015 Ferreira LBV seems like the safest bet still.

[Lucas S]

+35 days:

I left 500ml of the Cockburn LBV in a low oxygen 500ml bottle for a bit over a month in the refrigerator. That was not the plan but I got some virus on Dec 30 and, to be on the safe side, didn't drink at all for a month.

The Cockburn is still quite good but has developed a strong lime note including bitter lime rind, this along with the sweetness has made it quite reminiscent of a Brazilian caipirinha! This is a solid LBV.