1994 Quarles Harris Vintage Port

[Glenn E.]

Purchased for $39.99 from Trader Joe's in Lee's Summit, MO. The cork was barely soaked at all (maybe 2 mm penetration), extracted easily, and looked brand new. I get the feeling that these may be recent releases especially for TJ's coinciding with their receipt of the 2011.

1994 Quarles Harris VP

Color: dark red in the glass, opaque center, purple overtones. Not inky like a recent vintage, but still very youthful looking.

Nose: gloriously fruity. Lots of dark berries and stone fruits. Black cherry, plum, dark black raspberry, and cherry pie filling. Some alcohol, but not too much. Slightly dusty as well.

Palate: black cherry, plum, soft black raspberry, faint chocolate. Very full and round flavors. Good tannins and acidity. Tannins are a bit rough, but not distractingly so. Full(ish) body. Sweet as well. The only knock is that it is only moderately complex in the mouth.

Finish: nice warmth. Echoes of the palate's fruit. Moderate tannins. Tails off with some grape stem.

Score: 91 points. A great value at $40 and a very worthy daily drinker with nearly 20 years of age. I think it upholds the reputation of the vintage quire nicely.