Where do I start when I'm trying to describe the perfect LBV port? I bought this at a local Portuguese owned wine store up In Newark, NJ. I've been anxious to try it ever since I had a '92 Andresen LBV which was also very good; but this one was better, much better.
The cork broke into a million pieces when I tried to remove it, but upon removal I was hit with the strong scent of sweet blackberries followed by blueberries. I decanted it cleanly (it was unfiltered) and it was a very dark purple. I poured a very small glass (as I always do) just to ensure the Port was good. It was and than some. I placed the decanter in the fridge and let it sit for about 5 1/2 hours.
After pouring a glass that night, I let it warm up a little and then stuck my nose in it to get a sniff. There were so many scents: a melange of sweet blackberries and blueberries, pepper, old leather and a faint whiff of cigar ash. The color in the glass was a dark purple until the very edge where it became completely transparent. I don't recall ever seeing a Port switch so suddenly from dark to completely clear.
I took a sip and my mouth was flooded with the sweet taste of black fruits, cloves, blueberry syrup, sweet pepper and liquid cinnamon. The more the glass warmed up from the fridge, the thicker the mouth feel. The tannins were fully integrated and there was little to no heat. The balance was absolutely perfect. The aftertaste just went on and on and on while my salivary glands watered and ached for another sip. This may sound silly, but this LBV was one of the best Port experiences of my life. It was that good for what it is, a 27 year-old LBV that cost me $27. I'm not saying it's a world beater by any means, but this clearly would best a lot of Vintage Ports that I've had. I'm still drinking this on Day 3 and it's every bit as good as Day 1.
I think the store has a few more of these. If they do, I'm buying whatever they have left. 94 points.
1995 Andresen LBV Port
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Mike J. W.
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1995 Andresen LBV Port
Last edited by Mike J. W. on Wed Apr 27, 2022 5:54 am, edited 2 times in total.
"I have often thought that the aim of Port is to give you a good and durable hangover, so that during the next day you should be reminded of the splendid occasion the night before." - Hungarian/British journalist & author George Mikes
