For The Love Of Port

I had the pleasure of opening a 1952 Niepoort Garafeira last night. I picked it up from auction about a year ago and with Roy's help and an email to Dirk, confirmed that it was indeed a Garafeira. Knowing how it was created you can really see how it differs from an aged tawny and an aged Vintage Port. It really is a cross between the two.I think roy has a great article on Garafeiras on this site.

Decanted and eventually drunk at two hours. After four hours the finish started to get a bit shorter, but the midpalate was still singing.

Color: Light Caramel, hints of dusky orange, lighter than a tawny

Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, hints of apricot. Very rich nose for such a light color, it surprised everyone.

Palate: Smooth on entry, butterscotch, light oak. Everything is well integrated and the only noticeable way to describe the finish is uplifting.
It seems that the finish really is a cross between a soft aged tawny and a well aged vintage port.

Finish: the light flavors are very prominent on the midpalate with a real sense of depth and contemplation on the finish.

My points: 98 points

An absolutely wonderful wine to go along with a 1978 Jordan, 1985 Jacques Prieur Chambertin, 1987 Groth.

I agree: this is a stunning Port! When was your bottle decanted?

Russell,

Welcome to the site, and thanks for the great TN :)

Russell,

Thanks for joining the FORUM and website! I hope you have signed up to receive the monthly FREE newsletter. When you have a chance, please go back and add your location as I believe you are the first from your particular venue.

I have only had that bottling one time and it was so very memorable! I appreciate you putting your TN and impressions here for others to see.

Please drop by as often as you'd like!

I have never had a Garrafeira Port yet, this is really something I look forward too, I hope it will be soon. Welcome on the site Russell!

Your TN brings back fond memories of this port, thanks!
I've tasted it once, and LadyR and I still have one bottle in the cellar that will be opened sometime at a very special occasion.