For The Love Of Port

I opened this bottle in June when all of my siblings were in town visiting. I purchased 5 or 6 bottles of this VP back in '96 when I first got hooked on port and it's been interesting to see how it's developed over 15 years. The last bottle I opened was oxidized and flat so I was very pleased to find this last one drinking so nicely. I forgot to note the decant time but it was at least a few hours if not a bit more.

Medium purple/burgundy in color. The nose was musty at first but this blew off quickly to reveal a fairly mature bouquet of grape jam, dried flowers, candied red fruit, cinnamon, anise and orange peel - reminded me of potpourri. Silky, voluptuous texture in the mouth with more primary fruit up front than was evident on the nose - fairly sweet with cinnamon, pepper and spirit coming to the fore on the midpalate (a touch hot but not too much so) and a long, lingering, caramel-laced finish featuring very smooth tannins. This was greatly enjoyed by everyone present and I felt it was in a great spot - still showing some dark, youthful fruit but also lots of tertiary characteristics and a very polished texture. I'm sorry I don't have more. 93/94 pts, Tasted 6/11

Nice tasting note! I've not had this in about 4 years and I was wondering how it was coming along so your note is much appreciated.

Lamont,

Good to read a fine tasting note. I've only had this once, although I have one or two more that I bought on release for $25. I also have some Mags of this. The first one was opened about 3 years ago (750) and the bottle was too weird, so I was hoping to read a recent note and yours is very encouraging to say the least. Thanks!