For The Love Of Port

Just arrived in California. Very dark color. Nose of black cherry, graphite, and some obvious oak (maybe some American Oak). Nice dark fruit entry. Very balanced. Not overblown at all. Long finish. The oak needs a few years to resolve... 3-5 years would help a lot, but I'm not worried about it. I find this some where between the big, ripe 2009 and the very structured 2011. Top tier for this wine and possible the best Vinhas Velhas that Crasto has made. Lots of room for improvement. 93+ points.

I’ve had two bottles of this so far and I don’t get much oak showing on it. There has been, based on my experience, a large dialing back of oak on these (thankfully). I think they are better off in the longer run without so much. And I agree this is up there as one of the best Reservas in modern times. I’ve been 94 and 93 on the two I’ve had.


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No question that the oak has been dialed back. This is nothing like some of the early versions. On pop and pour I did notice the oak, but it's balanced and by day 2 it was there, but in the background. Certainly there is less oak in this wine than many (or most) Napa Cabs.

I just had this and don't recall noticing the oak at all. But I can't say I was looking for it at the time either.