TN: 2001 Bredell's Vintage Port

[Al B.]

Decant: None - South Africa. Cape Vintage Reserve 2001. Made from 47% Touriga Nacional, 27½% Touriga Francesca and 25½% Tinta Barocca, this is the current vintage reserve on the market at the moment and retails in South Africa for under ZAR 200 (£15). Deep black in colour and with an opaque centre and rim. Very young looking. Quite an expressive nose for such a young port, dominated by the same smell as the old "fruit salad" sweet chews, a complex nose. Still showing very young in the mouth, the first impression is on some strong and vigorous tannins that dry out the mouth and cheeks. There is plenty of fruit showing through and a big streak of acidity that promises a great future for what should be a massive port. The aftertaste lives up to expectations and is massive, dominated by fruit, chocolate and a lovely spicy white-pepper bite. If you don't own any South African fortified Cape Vintage wines, this is one to track down and buy but only to put into the cellar. Very, very impressive; this will last 30 years or more. 95 points