2005 Quinta do Crasto LBV Port

[Bradley Bogdan]

Decanted for 2 hours, cork in perfect condition.

This LBV was quite muted for the initial hour or two, then opened up well. Dark as many VPs, though without a purple rim at this point, as one would expect from a dense VP, this comes across as a denser LBV.

The nose is predominantly of black and red berry fruits, with a rich dark chocolate and small spice component. The palate is not particularly tannic, structured as much on a good acidity as the solid, but not huge or unfriendly, tannins. The fruit is a good mix of red and black, with more of a snicker doodle element to the latter half, describing the sweetness and light spiced components of this wine.

I this this wine will have plenty to give in 10+ years, but no need to wait, delicious now and nicely balanced.

91 pts.

[Andy Velebil]

Nice note. While my score is a little less than yours on this, our basic overall assessment is similar. Where we differ is I am not sure medium term cellaring will reward this LBV. IMO, between now and the next 10-15 years is when this will probably show its best. Beyond that I am not sure how well it will hold up, retaining the needed balance. A good LBV, but not one of their top LBV vintages.

[Bradley Bogdan]

Nice note. While my score is a little less than yours on this, our basic overall assessment is similar. Where we differ is I am not sure medium term cellaring will reward this LBV. IMO, between now and the next 10-15 years is when this will probably show its best. Beyond that I am not sure how well it will hold up, retaining the needed balance. A good LBV, but not one of their top LBV vintages.

Totally what I was going for, age wise, with my note. I think this will continue well in the short-medium term, but doesn't have the rawness and stuffing to do much but fade in the longer term. I think this has enough structure and fruit to have a nice 10 year plateau from now as it shifts from younger to older. Is

[Roy Hersh]

Andy +1