TN: 1997 Quinta do Passadouro Vintage Port

[Al B.]

Decant: 1 hour - Deep and intense crimson colour. Quite closed on the nose, but showing some nice blueberries under a sharp and peppery basil. Initially nicely fruity in the mouth with lots of sweet blackcurrants. The acidity of the wine works its way to the fore and then the tannins explode, albeit with restraint and roundness and never dominating the fruit. A slight burn in the mouth leaves the cheeks tingling before a long aftertaste of aniseed takes hold and fades elegantly. This is a delicious port for drinking now, with plenty of fruit and a lot of structure. Given how easy drinking it is today, I am not sure if this will ever be better than it is now, but I suspect that it will be no worse in 10 years. 88 points