For The Love Of Port

Opened this yesterday and just now getting round to a quick TN. Still quite young and full of blackcurrants and plums and of course plenty of tannins. This has put on some weight since yesterday and the tannins are in full swing from beginning to end. A nice bit of dark chocolate shows up late on the medium length finish. A delightful drink that still needs another 8-10 years to develop in bottle, yet is quite enjoyable right now as well. 90 Points
04/26/10

Andy,

How do you think the 2004 version of Crasto's LBV compared/contrasted with the 2003?

My last time with the 2003 LBV was October 2009 and it was a snap-shot tasting where I also had the 2004 right after in the same tasting. I prefered the 2004 as the 2003 LBV had a softer nose, lighter in body, and more red fruit than black fruit, yet both had very good finishes (which I often find in Crasto's LBV's). Since it was just a short taste I gave a score range, I was 88-90 points for the 2003 and 90-92 points for the 2004.

0.5 Hours: I just opened a bottle last night. Pop & pour for a couple of glasses last night, rest for Sat & Sun. Color is more garnet that inky, sort of a cross between the two. A little thin, not viscous at all and not much in the legs dept. A bit of floral fruity nose. Expected heat (I let my glass sit for 25 minutes) but did not get much. Blackberry, dark fruit taste, but not too fruity (less than the Dows 2004 LBV), a short to medium aftertaste. Good tannins. I was impressed since I usually find LBVs need 4-24 hours to get the wild stuff out. So far I'm giving this a 90-92. Will update as we progress with this one.

24 Hours: Had a couple more glasses last night. Color is a purpleish brick red. This port has changed a bit but equally enjoyable. Floral overtones are gone, more of a raspberry. Taste is now a raspberry chocolate medley and the alcohol is more prominent, but well intergrated. After taste is a little longer but still medium. As good as the night before, but different--wish I had more than 4 bottles for at $16/bottle, this is an excellent deal--plus it is unfiltered so it will have the benefit of maturing. 91-92 points. Still have some left for Sunday.

48 Hours: Shared the last 1/2 bottle with a Port Club friend. Very similar to 24 hours prior except the raspberry is more of a blackberry, but those chocolate notes are still prevelant. Finish has improved just a little more but still medium/short. Tannins well in play. Still relatively thin wine. Overall I'd say a 91---and still wish I had more to put away and also to enjoy now as an everydayer.