Why do older Colheitas taste fresher than older tawnies?

S. Marello · Post by **S. Marello** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:32 am

Marco,

The Fladgate Partnership does make Colheita, not with Taylor's or Fonseca, but with Romariz and Delaforce.

Ole Udsen · Post by **Ole Udsen** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:02 pm

Dear Marco,

I think you are spot-on.

Kris Henderson · Post by **Kris Henderson** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 1:29 pm

Ole Udsen wrote: I am not sure I buy the argument about bottling dates. Some people, and I seem to recall Roy writing that Dirk Niepoort is among them, would actually prefer Colheitas with quite a lot of subsequent bottle age.

Hi Ole, I am certain that bottling date is a factor. What I am not certain of is what exactly that factor is. I have had a chance to taste old Colheita's that were bottled within a few years and others that were bottled 60+ years ago.

Recent bottlings are usually fresh. Often times old bottles seem just as fresh, but not always. I think it depends on the producer and the quality of the juice to determine if a Colheita can stand the test of time in the bottle. Niepoort being one producer that usually ages nicely in the bottle.