2000 Quinta da Eira Velha Vintage Port

[Mark D]

Opened 11/25/09

Sainsbury's BOB.

Decanted with very fine sediment at the very end of pouring. Notes as per Derek's, very fruity and thick, and still dark. At first, tasted a touch simple like a reasonable LBV, but after 2 hours some of the fruit has blown off to reveal some structure, though there does seem to be something missing during the (long) finish. A touch of heat to complement the acidity, with some dry tannin. I'd say it is approachable now (especially with homemade steak and mushroom pie!), not sure how it would age but it has enough to it to keep for several years at least.

+24 hours - Has developed. Sweet vanilla and chocolate now, reminds me of the Graham LBV '01, but with tannic bitterness at the end. Sort of like good dark chocolate in a glass.

+48 hours

Fading away now, leaving juicy acidity, still a fair amount of tannin and some chocolate. Will have to be polished off this evening (which won't be a problem!).