For The Love Of Port

Bottled in 2006.

The color is redish tan with a hint of yellow on the edge. The nose reminds me of Niepoort's 10 year tawny but with a touch more alcohol protruding and covering up some of the spice and baked almonds that are trying to poke through. It is a bit thin and hollow on the mid-palate and finish.

There is still a fair amount of rough tannins that are trying to help this one out, but with a lack of body and an overpowering amount of alcohol dominating the almonds, pepper, and carmel this one just falls short.

Quite the shame as I really had high hopes for this after smelling the nose, and while not horrible, it is no where near the top producers of 10 year tawnys.

84 points

(I also got an '82 colheita, so I will post on that as soon as I try it.)

Last night a friend stops by unannounced to say hi, so as were talking I give him a glass of this to try. Now, he is a small Port drinker, mostly from stuff I share with him from time to time. But after his first sip he states, "Whoa, this is like pure alcohol. It's not suppost to be like this is it?"

I almost fell out of my chair laughing.


(BTW, the '82 colheita is better, a TN to follow soon)

Thanks Andy. What is your opinion of the 10 year old by Ramos Pinto?

Along with Sandeman and Niepoort ... they usually do a pretty great job with their 10 year old.

Roy,

Here is my note from the last time I tried it in October 2006;

Ramos Pinto 10 year Tawny:
"Nose of carmel, with flavors of walnut, vanilla, and oak. A good finish but a bit simple. overall a good 10 year." 91 points

I would have no problem buying a bottle of this or recommending it to someone else.