1978 Croft Quinta da Roeda

[John M.]

Bottle had slight signs of past seepage; level to bottom of the neck. I tonged this a day before, decanted and placed into second bottle and stoppered until four hours before consuming. Upon opening a vary pale orange pink; I snuck a small nip right away and it was harsh & concerned it was flawed. In the morning I took a small mount and let it breathe for awhile--it really opened up and was pleasant. The real tasting: Light red brick, but translucent. Aroma of toffee, raisins and figs. The taste initially comes off strongest with light raisins but with little hints of orange zest, vanilla, toffee and leather. A little thin, especially mid palate, which keeps this from a higher echelon but plenty here to enjoy. The finish is soft and lingering.

92 Points