I picked up a 20-year Tawny Quinta Das Heredias as part of a lot at an auction. It's yucky and rainy here tonight, so a good evening to open a port and try it out.
The label says that this wine is bottled unfiltered, and it was bottled in 2000. I wasn't in a position to decant it as I was at a restaurant, but I didn't notice any sediment in the glass.
I was concerned about the color, as it's very light compared to top-tier 20-year tawnies. This color is like ice tea after the ice has mostly melted in the glass.
The nose was a strong toffee scent, very nice. With the addition of the alcohol, it smelled exactily like a hot buttered rum. All that was missing was the ski lodge.
On the palate, this is a very strange port. The alcohol was a bit hot. However, there was very little sweetness, although it increased a little as the evening went on. It never attained a sweetness level that I would even call moderate. The finish was pretty dry. The wine was very reminicent of a 15-year Verdelho Madeira.
Overall, the wine was interesting (as most are), but not something to seek out. Don't pay much more than $20 for this one.
20 Year Old Tawny Port by Quinta das Heredias
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John Danza
- Posts: 495
- Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:10 pm
- Location: Naperville, Illinois, United States of America - USA
Re: NV Quinta Das Heredias 20-year Tawny
John,
A well crafted note and thanks for posting here again, it has been awhile, so this is a nice surprise. Good to know to avoid this 20 year old. Had any other more solid Ports lately? I've always enjoyed your expressive impressions.
A well crafted note and thanks for posting here again, it has been awhile, so this is a nice surprise. Good to know to avoid this 20 year old. Had any other more solid Ports lately? I've always enjoyed your expressive impressions.
Ambition driven by passion, rather than money, is as strong an elixir as is Port. http://www.fortheloveofport.com
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John Danza
- Posts: 495
- Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:10 pm
- Location: Naperville, Illinois, United States of America - USA
Re: NV Quinta Das Heredias 20-year Tawny
Hi Roy,Roy Hersh wrote:John,
A well crafted note and thanks for posting here again, it has been awhile, so this is a nice surprise. Good to know to avoid this 20 year old. Had any other more solid Ports lately? I've always enjoyed your expressive impressions.
I don't drink much port during the summer months, usually switching over to Sauternes and sweet Loire whites for after dinner wines. Now that the weather is changing, it's port time! I've picked up a handful of 1963 ports that I plan on opening over the next month or two, so I'll post those notes as soon as I do.
I'm always looking at the posts, and really enjoy the site.
All the best,
John