For The Love Of Port

The wine has an interesting light brown color, but in the light, turns flaming red orange. Not unlike Imperial Topaz. On the nose, I found it a mix of cognac and brown sugar. It smells a bit on the hot side, like cognac, but without the pronounced wooden notes that can be found on a VSOP or XO. I wish I had a bit of Grand Marnier to compare this with. In spite of the bouquet not being very complex, I liked it a lot, but then again, I adore great brandy. It smells quite sweet too, almost boal madeira like. The flavour is quite simple but pleasant, with a bit of orange, sugar, and mild acidity, along with what may be described as cheap brandy, almost a Cointreau texture. The finish is fair. My wife thought it was yummy, reminding her (again) of madeira, it felt to me like a light and sweet brandy. This would go well I think with some blue stilton. I have to admit, even though it is not a very sophisticated port on its own right, I would take this ahead of most ruby ports and basic TNM madeiras I have tasted. It was purchased for $17.99/500 ml bottle in Costco, Marysville WA. I would not rank this ahead of Fonseca LBV for $22 a full bottle, which has more richness and complexity for slightly less money. This was worth a shot, but I may not be getting too many more bottles of it down the road.

PS - I took the opportunity, after doing the earlier tasting note, to check the comments on winespectator.com. Those who are curious to see the details should I feel check them there. While I was pleasantly surprised to see the WS reviewer agreed with me that this wine would go with blue stilton, I disagree with the reviewer's other observations about the nature of the wine, and the score given. Granted, we are all entitled to our opinion. I want to emphasize that I do not plagiarize, either generally or specifically, any other reviewer's notes, here or elsewhere.

Ray,
Try the 20 year version, if you've not already. It's a BIG step up from the 10 year Otima.

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