For The Love Of Port

A new brand started by family company Gesprove, which is headed by winemaker José Pinheiro who used to be winemaker at Sandeman for 25 years. Company is located in Sao Joao da Pesqueira and has access to two vineyards, one of them at high altitude. They are producing reserve ruby, reserve tawny, 10 yrs tawny, LBV and vintage port, all called Soneto. Douro wines are called Estopa and Abastado (white, rosé, red). This 2009 Soneto LBV is his first project.

Unfiltered. Decanted 2.5 hrs which appeared to work well. Dark red colour. Aroma of dark red berries (incl. cherries and blackberries), minerals and a touch of something smoked. Full body. Powerful and elegant, quite a mouthful. Fruity with oak and minerals in the background. A well-structured LBV which is also having well-balanced acidity/sweetness. Medium length aftertaste. One of the better young LBVs (4-15 years) I have tasted. 92 pts.

Wow a great score for an LBV. Will have to keep an eye out to try their stuff when I am over there next.