Event: SAMMAMISH PORT CLUB - JANUARY 2025

[Stewart T.]

SAMMAMISH PORT CLUB - JANUARY 2025 - Seattle, Washington (1/18/2025)

• NV Quinta do Vallado Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Clear amber-orange in color. The nose opens with grilled pineapple and tropical fruit tones, lifted by subtle hints of toasted banana. Rich and smooth on the palate with vibrant acidity that keeps the sweetness in check. Excellent balance throughout, finishing clean and fresh. (93 pts.)
• 1995 Quinta do Vesuvio Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Deep ruby with slight bricking at the rim. Expressive aromas of dried plum and dark bramble fruit, followed by secondary notes of eucalyptus and cocoa. On the palate, red fruits like raspberry blend with milk chocolate and a touch of mint. Still structured, with integrated tannins and good length. (93 pts.)
• 1995 Dow Porto Vintage Quinta do Bomfim - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Dark purple with brownish hues at the rim. Aromas show mild oxidative development with notes of stewed fruit and soft vanilla. Medium-bodied palate with mellow fruit, good acidity, and a silky texture. Well-balanced and drinking well now. (90 pts.)
• 2001 Smith Woodhouse Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Bottled in 2005. Dark garnet in color. The nose shows dark berry fruit, plum, and a hint of spice. Bright acidity supports a structured palate, with lingering notes of clove and black cherry. Well-balanced and still holding freshness. (91 pts.)
• NV J.H. Andresen Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Bottled in 2002. Amber in color with a slight orange rim. Slightly musty nose at first, which gives way to nougat, almond, and light brown sugar. The palate is dense and rich with good lift from the acidity. Finishes long with caramelized nut character. (92 pts.)
• NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Bottled in 2019. Amber-gold in the glass. The nose shows vanilla, dried walnuts, and a touch of orange peel. On the palate, caramel and toffee flavors are offset by brisk acidity, giving the wine energy and length. Harmonious and well-crafted. (93 pts.)
• NV Quinta de Cottas Douro 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro
  Deep amber with golden highlights. Complex nose of vinagrinho, citrus zest, and aged wood. Intense and layered on the palate, with vibrant acidity balancing the sweetness. Long, elegant finish with lingering notes of orange peel and hazelnut. (94 pts.)

[John M.]

Nice line up!

[Eric Menchen]

Interesting that you got all those tropical fruit flavors in a non-white Port with that Vallado.

[Mike J. W.]

Interesting that you got all those tropical fruit flavors in a non-white Port with that Vallado.

Coincidentally, this one is actually my "next up" on Death Row. I don't think I've ever had a Vallado of any type and I'm curious to try.