1950 Moreira Colheita Port

[Eric Menchen]

Bottled 2000. Opened at 8 a.m. for tasting that evening, probably around 10.

Certainly tawny in color, but a little orange red; very clear. When decanted, I noticed some brown sugar aromas, and later caramel, and even a little faint dried fig. In the evening the fruit was a little stronger, but the sugars were still there. There was some alcohol warmth that was slightly distracting. In the mouth the fruit was not particular distinct, although there might have been a little apricot. There was definitely some wood character and vanilla. Medium to heavier body, with a good warm finish. The empty glass has some licorice aromas. 92 points.

Given other experience with this label, I had high hopes for the second day. But both my wife and I agreed it wasn't as good then. And a friend that had some on day two commented that while very nice, it wasn't as good as a 1991 Croft we shared a while back.

[Eric Menchen]

My wife and I agreed on the third night--better than the second, but not as good as the first. However, with time a yummy creme brulee flavor developed and made me start to question that; and it still had enough acidity so it wasn't too sweet.

[Andy Velebil]

These are very strange Ports indeed and seem to behave in their own very unique way. So to hear how it changed over time doesn't surprise me at all.

[Glenn E.]

I assume it didn't last a week? Mine seem to need 7-10 days to really hit their stride. Very strange bottles indeed.

[Eric Menchen]

Nope, did not last a week. Fine last night, but not as good as nights one and three.

[Roy Hersh]

I've not really been too impressed with Moreira overall. Freakazoid Ports for sure. The 1966 and its ability to suck initially and then provide an intriguing profile 2 weeks later, certainly is not like almost any other Port I can think of.

People typically buy the Moreira's because you can still easily find older bottles at cheap prices, but I am still waiting for one of them to provide a wow moment.

You surely would be disappointed trying to compare this bottling to a 1991 Croft VP. That's like Ali in his prime vs. George Foreman today.