Bottled 1998. Unfiltered, driven cork. Decanted a dark, rich red, with a nose reminiscent of cherries and
This will not be like a normal TN where I dissect the Port as it develops over the hours. I did not take any formal notes at all with this Port as the day it was opened my brother was in town (first time since his mission in Afghanistan ended a couple of months ago) so we were concentrating on catching up and he was trying to learn something about Port from his older (and much better looking… and wiser – if I do say so myself!
) older brother.Some spirit along the way, blew off after around 10-12 hours. After day two, this was drinking fabulously. Some tannins, a bit raw at some points, but nicely integrating on days 3-4. I am surprised I have anything left in the decanter after this long! (Only because my bro is partial to the aged tawnies, we simply tried this LBV and focused on the tawnies. A separate report will be filed here.)
All along the way, dominant nose and palate of cherries. At times, floral, light notes. A couple of samples along the way held a bit of tannic grip that I have detected previously in SW Ports. Very little acidity, medium sweetness, some raw, vegetal qualities early on (first couple of days.)
For an unfiltered LBV I would probably rate this a 92. I think it has the potential to continue aging well for another 5-10 years. The 1984 that I tried a few months ago was much more advanced, but I believe this wine might simply make it a bit further. Going to have to try to remember where I found this Port and perhaps pick up a half case to experiment with in a couple of years.
Todd