2002 Dow's Crusted Port

[Lamont Huxley]

Bottled in 2002.

This has now been in the decanter for about 2 and a half days. It's a medium dark purple color with cherry-red highlights. The nose is only slightly more expressive than when first opened and still quite primary - grape jelly and black cherry are what come to mind, maybe a touch of wood. Tasty fruit up front - grape, plum, black cherry - with a medium-bodied mouthfeel and mild tannins. There is some spirit that comes through on the back of the palate but not so much that it's overbearing, and it fades away on the relatively dry, medium-short finish leaving some pleasant grapey notes.

A perfectly enjoyable port that may get a little more interesting with short-term cellaring but QPR-wise it's just so-so.

87 pts, Tasted 1/11