Event: 2019 FTLOP HARVEST TOUR
Posted: Sat May 02, 2020 7:48 pm
2019 FTLOP HARVEST TOUR - Portugal (9/19/2019-9/28/2019)
Bacchus Vvini - Porto, Portugal
We tasted over 20 wines at Barão de Vilar, but many were walking around tasting from casks, so only one real tasting note from our visit.
I typically don't write TNs for wine we drink at dinner, unless it is a Port or something exceptional.
Bacchus Vvini - Porto, Portugal
- 1976 Quinta da Devesa Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/19/2019)
Bottled in 2018. Orange-brown in color with good clarity. Orange peel and smoky caramel notes on the nose. Maple syrup and orange spice on the palate. Good acidity and balance. Great intensity on the long finish. (92 pts.) - 1970 Quinta da Devesa Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/19/2019)
Bottled in 2018. Yellow-orange in color. Tropical fruit notes on the nose with some spice. Some tropical fruit and peach, caramel, and tangerine on the palate. Well-balanced acidity. (90 pts.) - NV Vieira de Sousa Porto Tawny 10 Anos - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/19/2019)
Amber with an orange edge. Slightly oxidized note with some vanilla on the nose. Smooth texture and nice long finish. This seems closer to a 20 Year Old Tawny than a 10 Year Old Tawny. (91 pts.) - 2011 Casa dos Lagares Moscatel Fragulho Reserva - Portugal, Douro (9/19/2019)
Tangerine in color with good clarity. A great off-dry wine with balanced sweetness and great, long finish. (92 pts.) - 1985 Dalva Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/19/2019)
Bottled in 2019. Amber orange in color. Woody notes and caramel on the nose. Rich, lush mouthfeel with orange spice and good acidity on the palate. Great long finish. (93 pts.)
- NV Agri-Roncão DR - 20 Year Old White Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
Unfiltered cask sample. Bottled two days prior. Clear, honey-straw in color. Honeysuckle and some spice on the nose. Rich, lush mouthfeel with honey, caramel, and some butterscotch notes. Very long finish with bright acidity. (92 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 30 Year Old White - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
Cask sample. Not bottled yet. Light butterscotch in color with clearing on the edges. Slightly spirited nose with some citrus and orange blossom. Pronounced orange on the palate with some honey and citrus on the long finish. (93 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR Very Old White 50 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/19/2019)
Cask sample. Clear, honey gold in color. Subdued nose with some light spirit. Incredible unctuous honey and toffee. Very long finish with great acidity and good balance. (94 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
Amber-orange in color. Woody notes with vanilla on the nose. Balanced mid-palate, with some orange spice notes. (90 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
Yellow-light brown in color. Orange peel with a touch of petrol and spirit on the nose. Rich orange spice, pralines, and caramel. Very long finish. (94 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
Dark orange-amber in color. Cedar and Crème Brule on the nose. Orange peel and brown sugar on the palate with a very long finish. (95 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 70 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
Dark amber-orange in color. Toasted nuts, pralines, and mahogany notes on the nose. Fabulously unctuous with vanilla, tangerine, and molasses on the palate. Extremely well-balanced with a very long finish. (97 pts.) - 2001 Agri-Roncão DR Port Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
Pop and pour. Dark garnet in color. Significant sediment. Some smoky notes and red fruit on the nose. Blueberry on the palate and pronounced tannins on the long, balanced finish. (89 pts.) - 2017 Agri-Roncão DR Port Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
Pop and pour. Opaque purple in color. Blueberry and dark fruit on the nose. Very young wine. Firm tannins with a backbone of dark fruit. Very long finish. (91 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - Very Old Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/21/2019)
From 1885. Cask sample. Brown-yellow in color with yellow edges. Viscous in the glass. Mahogany, tobacco, and molasses on the nose. Saline, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, honey, and brown sugar on the unctuous palate. Deep, rich finish with very balanced acidity. (99 pts.)
- NV Kopke Porto 10 Years Old White - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Pale yellow-orange in color. Chilled, so there was a subdued nose of some light tropical fruit. Unctuous mouthfeel with papaya, vanilla and great freshness on the finish. (90 pts.) - NV Kopke Porto 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Cinnamon-orange in color. Caramel and some spice on the nose. Maple syrup, a touch of cinnamon, and toffee on the palate. Balanced acidity and long, luscious finish. (93 pts.) - NV Kopke Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Amber-orange in color with lightening on the edge. Tobacco, orange peel, and some vanilla on the nose. Surprisingly well-balanced entry with great acidity and flavors of orange peel, vanilla, and a touch of spice on the late palate and finish. (92 pts.) - 1978 Kopke Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Bottled in 2018. Amber-orange in color. Mahogany on the nose with orange peel and some caramel. Coffee, mocha, and orange spice on the palate. Great balance and bright acidity on the finish. (94 pts.) - 1966 Kopke Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Bottled in 2019. Amber-brown in color with yellow edges. Mocha and mahogany on the nose. Full-bodied with some fig, caramel, and orange spice. Fantastic mouthfeel with great balance on the finish. (95 pts.)
- 1966 Caves Messias Porto Vintage Quinta do Cachão - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Clear, amber-orange in color. Decanted for 1 hour. Some cherry, almond, and cinnamon on the nose. Sweet and full-bodied on the palate. Cherry and chocolate on the late palates with a touch of cinnamon on the finish. (90 pts.) - 1980 Caves Messias Porto Vintage Quinta do Cachão - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Clear, amber-brown in color. Decanted for about 1 hour. Cocoa powder and a touch of pomegranate on the nose. Rich mouthfeel with chocolate and Christmas spice on the palate. Long finish with good sweetness and acidity. (92 pts.) - NV Caves Messias Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Bottled in 2019. Amber orange in color. Orange blossom and fresh almond on the nose. Half of the blend is from the mother wine, which is from the 1990s. Additionally, wines from 1978, 1985, and 1987 (and sometimes additional vintages) are used in this wine, and all in different percentages every year. Orange, caramel, and butterscotch on the palate. Very fresh with good acidity. (90 pts.) - NV Caves Messias Porto 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Bottled in 2018. Dry fruit, figs, almonds, spices, and orange blossom on the nose. Lush honey and spice on the palate. A touch of chocolate and orange spice on the finish. Balanced and nice, long finish. (91 pts.) - 1980 Caves Messias Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Bottled in 2017. Clear, light orange in color. Some white grapes were used in this blend (actually, more white than red) giving it the bright acidity. This is a field blend (meaning different varietal vines in the vineyards are all mixed in together), so it has both white and red grape varietals in the wine. They replanted Quinta do Cachão with block planting in 1985. Very unctuous with great acidity. Orange, honey, and spice on the mid-palate, with a long finish. (93 pts.) - NV Caves Messias Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
This was bottled in 2018 and is more than 40 years old. Light VA on the nose (not bad for a 40 Year Old Tawny). It has started to gain some color. Honey and almonds on the nose. Bright acidity on the balanced, fantastic finish. (93 pts.) - 1964 Caves Messias Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Bottled last week. Amber-brown in color with clear edges. Woody and dusty notes on the nose. Very rich palate with orange spice, nuts, and butterscotch. Clean, extremely long finish with notes of candied nuts and orange spice. (94 pts.) - 1952 Caves Messias Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/22/2019)
Bottled last week. Mahogany brown in color. Clear and semi-opaque. Dusty library and wood notes on the nose and tons of mocha powder. An intense concentration and unctuous mouthfeel with salted caramel and mocha. Light brown sugar on the very long finish with amazing acidity. (95 pts.) - 2014 Caves Messias Bairrada Blanc de Noirs Grande Reserva - Portugal, Beiras, Bairrada (9/22/2019)
This sparkling wine was made from the Baga grape varietal. N/R.
- NV Poças Porto 10 Year Old White - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Bottled in 2018. Light orange-peach in color. Clear. Tropical fruit, fresh nose with some spirit. Peach and tropical fruit on the palate. Rich flavor profile. Good freshness and fruit character, and a good touch of oxidation from the barrel. A little different stylistically, which caused some problems with the approval process with the IVDP. (91 pts.) - 2019 Poças Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Bottled in 2018. Orange in color with light amber notes. Hints of wood and spirit on the nose. Rich, full body on the mouthfeel with caramel, orange peel, and a touch of bitterness on the finish. Slightly drying tannins on the long finish. (92 pts.) - 2000 Poças Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Bottled in 2019. Burnt umber center with yellow edges. Clear. Vanilla, wood, and a small whiff of “little vinegar” notes (not unpleasant or a fault) on the nose. Orange and some honey on the palate. Good, structured tannins on the very long finish. (92 pts.) - 1992 Poças Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Bottled in 2017. Deep, rich amber-orange in color. Clear. Noticeable oxidation (in a good way) and spirit on the nose, with a touch of cocoa powder and light herbs. Still some fruit character and really bright acidity. Very long finish. (92 pts.) - NV Poças Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Bottles in 2017. Amber-orange in color with yellow on the rim. Some light oxidation with caramel, orange peel, and some light spirit. Very unctuous mouthfeel with some tannins on the mid-palate. Pronounced acidity, apricot notes, and great structure on the long finish. (93 pts.) - 1967 Poças Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Bottled in 2019. Orange-straw in color (surprisingly light in color). Light notes of pine resin and some VA on the nose (in a good way). Very rich mouthfeel with rounded, well-balanced acidity. Clean, high-toned with orange, herbal notes, and a touch of marzipan. (94 pts.) - 1985 Poças Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Purple-amber in color. Fig and some prune on the nose with some chocolate and dried fruit. Good acidity, with resolved tannins and still some red fruit noticeable. Nice structure with a long finish of raspberry and some dusty tannins. This is a VP heading towards a long, elegant drinking plateau for the next 10-15 years. (92 pts.) - 2017 Poças Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Impenetrable squid ink center with purple edges. Blueberry and some tankiness on the nose, with a touch of mint. Pronounced tannins with dark fruit and great structure. Long finish. (90 pts.) - NV Poças Colheita Quinado - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
This wine was made over 40 years ago and is a special kind of rare Port wine to which quinine has been added. It has been aged in a wooden barrel since then. It was bottled from cask for our tasting. 40 years ago, it was a ruby Port It was infused with herbs, quinine, and vanilla and then aged. Orange-brown in color. Vanilla, Caramel, and some light oak notes on the nose. Buttery caramel, vanilla bean, and hints of orangesicle on the palate. Bright acidity but well-rounded finish. (94 pts.)
- NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Clear, amber-brown in color. Cinnamon, orange peel, and mocha on the nose. Orange spice, nuts, and unctuous mouthfeel with balanced tannins and bright acidity arriving on the mid-palate. Very long, rich finish with waves of flavors. (90 pts.) - NV S. Leonardo Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Orange-brown in color. Very clear. Subdued nose of vanilla, spice, and almond. Unctuous mouthfeel with a great balance of sweetness and acidity. Cinnamon and dried fruit with some bitter almond skin on the midpalate. (92 pts.) - NV S. Leonardo Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Orange-yellow with lightening at the edges. Clear. A touch of rose petals and spirit on the nose. Intense orange peel on the entry but extremely balanced on the mid-palate with subtle orange and honey notes. The finish falls off for a second and then returns in subtle waves of flavor. (93 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Light orange-amber in color. Clear. Mahogany and mocha on the nose with a touch of herbs. Bitterness with some spirit right off the bat. A touch hot, with red hots, notes of herbs, and some orange peel. Long finish with bitterness falling away to nice balanced, through a little hot, finish. (91 pts.) - NV S. Leonardo Porto 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Dark brown-orange in color. Clear. Dark chocolate and brown sugar on the nose. Chocolate and caramel on the rich mid-palate. Bright acidity. Some subtle cherry notes on the late palate and a long, balanced finish. (92 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Light orange-brown in color. Clear. Sassafras, honey, a touch of orange spice, and floral notes on the nose. Honey, cola on the palate with really great balance and acidity. Great, balanced finish with citrus peel and mocha notes.
94 points. (94 pts.) - NV Agri-Roncão Porto DR - 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Orange-yellow in color. Clear. Light touch of oxidation, cherry cough drop, and mahogany notes on the nose. Orange cordial with hints of sweet cherry kirsch. Extremely balanced palate with great integration. Caramel, orange peel, and a slight touch of spice. (95 pts.) - NV S. Leonardo Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/23/2019)
Dark, amber-brown in color. Clear. Mocha powder, molasses, and a touch of spirit on the nose. Rich intensity of flavor with chocolate, tobacco molasses, and spice. Very long, unctuous finish with wonderful balance and intensity.
96 points. (96 pts.)
- NV Brunheda Douro Codecais Lodge Tonel 1 - Portugal, Douro (9/24/2019)
Cask sample. Amber gold in color. This white Port was last topped off was over 30 years ago, but it has older wine in the barrel. Smooth caramel and orange notes. Elegant, with great balance and acidity. Wonderful long finish. Super smooth. This seems like it is probably a little lower in lower alcohol. (93 pts.) - NV Brunheda Douro Codecais Lodge Tonel 2 - Portugal, Douro (9/24/2019)
Cask sample. Gold-amber in color. This wine was last topped off perhaps 40-50 years ago. Tawny nose with caramel. A touch of aguardiente on the initial taste. Great balance and acidity with woody notes, caramel, maple syrup and crème Brule. This likely has lower alcohol than the regulatory minimum. Well-balanced acidity. While Tonnel 1 was a smooth white Port you could drink all day, this one is a smooth tawny Port you could drink all day. (93 pts.) - NV Brunheda Douro Codecais Lodge Tonel 3 - Portugal, Douro (9/24/2019)
Cask sample. Last topped off in the 1960s. Mahogany notes on the nose. Dark amber with greening around the edges. Reductive, unctuous sexiness with chocolate, molasses, and incredibly long finish. (96 pts.) - NV Brunheda Douro Codecais Lodge Tonel 4 - Portugal, Douro (9/24/2019)
Cask sample. Amber-orange in color with a touch of green on the rim. Last topped off in the 1930s. Varnish and wood notes, chocolate, and a touch of spirit on the nose. Amazingly unctuous with mocha and amazing concentration. Great acidity. Amazing long finish. Wow. Just wow. (97 pts.) - NV Brunheda Douro Codecais Lodge Tonel 6 - Portugal, Douro (9/24/2019)
Cask sample. This was last topped off in the 1990s, so this is likely 30-40 years old. Amber-orange in color. Some aguardiente on the nose. Caramel notes and very smooth, with a touch of spirit and light orange. A touch of bitterness on the finish. (93 pts.) - NV Brunheda Douro Codecais Lodge Tonel 7 - Portugal, Douro (9/24/2019)
Cask sample. This white Port was lass refilled in the early 2000s. Pineapple and tropical fruit on the nose. Amber-orange with straw yellow on the edges. Tropical fruit, honey, and bright acidity on the palate. (94 pts.)
We tasted over 20 wines at Barão de Vilar, but many were walking around tasting from casks, so only one real tasting note from our visit.
- NV Barão de Vilar Porto Porto VVV Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/25/2019)
Over 40 years old. Unctuous caramel and vanilla on the nose. Creamsicle with orange spice and beautiful, lively acidity. (94 pts.)
I typically don't write TNs for wine we drink at dinner, unless it is a Port or something exceptional.
- NV Quinta do Vallado Douro Very Old Port - Portugal, Douro (9/25/2019)
Over 140 year old Tawny Port. Balsamic vinegar on the nose. Mocha, tobacco leaf, saline, and modernized notes on the entry, giving way to dark toffee and molasses. Incredible complexity and unctuous long finish. (97 pts.)
- NV Quinta de Magalhães Porto Tawny 10 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Bottled in 2018. Light amber-orange in color. A touch of almond, wood, and sundried tomatoes on the nose. Smooth entry with light orange spice, light acidity, and tannins. Medium-long finish. (86 pts.) - NV Quinta de Magalhães Porto Tawny 20 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Bottled in 2019. Subdued nose. Orange-light brown in color. 18% alcohol gives this a smooth and medium-bodied mouthfeel on the palate. Orange spice, nuts, and light tannins on the finish. (90 pts.) - NV Quinta de Magalhães Porto Tawny 30 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Bottled in 2017. Amber-orange in color. Some herbal notes and orange spice on the nose. Good, rich mouthfeel. Good acidity, and a very nice balance on the finish. (93 pts.) - 2014 Quinta de Magalhães Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Bottled in 2018. Dark purple in the center with light purple edges. Blueberry and dark fruit on the nose. Blackberry, blueberry, and dark fruit on the palate. Great tannins and structure on the long finish. (92 pts.) - 2000 Quinta de Magalhães Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Dark violet. Herbal notes with some red fruit on the nose, along with a touch of spirit. Great tannins and structure on the entry, with expanding black currant and some fennel. Great, long finish with fantastic length and flavors. (93 pts.) - 2003 Quinta de Magalhães Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Dark purple in color with lightening on the very edge. Raspberry and cherry kirsch on the palate with tannins appearing on the mid-palate. Noticeable tannins on the finish. Really good wine. (94 pts.) - 2004 Quinta de Magalhães Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Vibrant purple in color. Opaque. Violets, a touch of spirit, and dark fruit on the nose. Pronounced tannins appear on the mid-palate with cassis, rolling into the very long finish. This seems like it needs a few more years to age. (91 pts.) - 2016 Quinta de Magalhães Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Dark purple color. Opaque. Rich blueberry on the nose with some violet and a touch of spirit. Massive blueberry on the entry with tannins expanding on the mid-palate. It needs a ton of time to resolve the primary fruit. (93 pts.) - 2017 Quinta de Magalhães Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Dark purple in color. Primary dark fruit, blueberry, and spirit on the unintegrated nose. Intense black fruit with mouth-puckering tannins and very long, tannic finish. A VERY young wine. (91 pts.)
- NV Niepoort Porto Ruby - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Dark purple in color with some lightening on the rim. Some red fruit on the nose with a touch of spirit underneath. Unctuous mouthfeel with blueberry, blackberry, and firm tannins on the mid-palate. Long finish with balanced tannins and a touch of mint. (89 pts.) - 2014 Niepoort Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Medium-dark purple in color with light clearing on the edges. Black currant on the nose. Balanced tannins and fruit. Pleasant drinker with nice tannins on the finish. (90 pts.) - 1981 Niepoort Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Bottled in 1986. Dike says that in his opinion, this is the best LBV his father made. Light amber in color with clearing on the edges. Strawberry and red fruit on the nose and some noticeable age. Lush red fruit and chocolate on the palate. Extremely balanced with a finish of strawberry and good acidity. (93 pts.) - 1970 Niepoort Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Dirk’s father says this was the first VP he produced himself (they were négociants) prior. Brown-amber in color. Still some lively fruit, with some initial fennel that is slowly evolving into herbal notes. A touch of cinnamon and cherry on the palate. Great tannins and acidity. (95 pts.) - 1948 Niepoort Porto Garrafeira - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Moved to demijohns in 1952. Bottled in 1973. Amber-orange in color. Cherry notes and light mint on the nose. Very smooth cherry, fruit, herbal and spice notes on the palate. Long finish. (96 pts.) - 1997 Niepoort Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Bottled in 2019. Light amber in color. Orange, caramel, and a touch of vanilla on the nose. Smooth, orange, and maple notes with a touch of orange spice on the palate. Long finish, with just a touch of bitterness. (93 pts.) - 2017 Niepoort Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Almost completely opaque with a dark purple center and lightening only on the very edge. Some dark fruit and a note tankiness. Unintegrated fruit and tannins. Full-bodied, very long finish. A but “lodgy” – fruit, earth, and wood. (93 pts.) - 2017 Niepoort Porto Vintage Bioma Vinha Velha - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
Completely opaque in color. Red fruit and floral notes on the nose in spades! There is also some underlying tankiness – pure fruit essence directly from the tank. Very well structured tannins that leap up on the mid-palate and flow through the very long finish. We are the only people that have tasted this VP at this time! (95 pts.) - 1927 Companhia Agricola e Commerical dos Vinhos do Port Garrafeira - Portugal, Douro (9/26/2019)
Label says “Successora de D. Antonio A. Ferreira”. Orange-yellow in color with green-yellow on the edge. Balsamic vinegar and some herbal notes on the nose. Lively acidity, with caramel and honey on the full-bodied palate. Some almond-skin bitterness on the mid-palate, following through to the finish. Rich intensity and outstanding balance and structure. (97 pts.) - NV Niepoort Porto Presidente Light Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
18 year old tawny Port that was bottled 40 or 50 years ago. Tobacco, balsamic, cinnamon, and vegetative notes on the nose. Some unctuous mouthfeel, but disjointed tannins and acidity. A bitter, vegetative note on the mid-palate and finish. Still some light fruit and acidity. Pleased to be able to try this. (89 pts.) - 1964 Niepoort Porto Garrafeira - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/26/2019)
This wine was placed in demijohn in 1971 and bottled in 1978. Vegetative and woody notes on the nose with a touch of underlying orange peel. I can’t see the color very well due to the dim lighting, but from the nose of this, it seems old. Good acidity and some bitterness on the finish. (88 pts.)
- 2000 Quinta do Vale Meão Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2019)
Purple-garnet in color. Semi-opaque. Fresh blueberry and some light herbal notes on the nose. Blueberry and black currant on the palate with great, well-balanced tannins on the mid-palate and long finish. Easy-drinking Port with still some aging potential. (94 pts.) - 2001 Quinta do Vale Meão Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2019)
Dark purple center with lighter purple on the edges. Blueberry compote and some floral notes on the nose. Massive blueberry and dark fruit on the approach, giving way to firm tannins and some herbal notes on the mid-palate. Very long finish. (91 pts.) - 2007 Quinta do Vale Meão Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2019)
Floral notes and some herbs on the nose. Dark purple in color. Well-integrated dark fruit on the entry, giving way to well-balanced tannins on the mid-palate. The quality of the Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (50/50) makes this wine a much for floral Vintage Port. Very long, warm finish. (94 pts.) - 2008 Quinta do Vale Meão Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2019)
Very dark, almost opaque purple in color. Slightly subdued nose with some dark fruit notes. The Touriga Nacional grapes from this year were exceptional, and the 50/50 mix with Touriga Franca gives this wine tremendous structure and ability to age. Boysenberry, blueberry, and some mint on the great, well-balanced palate. (93 pts.) - 2011 Quinta do Vale Meão Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2019)
Dark garnet-purple in color. Blueberry and intense dark fruit on the nose. Intense dark fruit on the entry and then some really great, slow-rolling tannins march across the mid-palate and into the very long finish. (95 pts.) - 2017 Quinta do Vale Meão Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2019)
Garnet purple in color. A touch of tankiness here. The fruit is obviously not integrated yet, but good notes of primary red fruits on the nose. Well-balanced tannins already on the palate, with red currant and boysenberry on the very long finish. (93 pts.) - 2019 Quinta do Vale Meão White Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2019)
Cask sample. Created through maceration. Lemon water in color. Cloudy. Lemonade and sugar water on the nose. High residual sugar on the palate. Lemon, citrus, and sweetness on the finish. - 2019 Quinta do Vale Meão White Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2019)
Cask sample. Pressed, but not macerated and some skin contact. Limoncello in color. Cloudy. A touch of spirit on the nose. Still some residual sugar (like sugar-water) but more citrus notes on the palate.
- 2011 Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Dark purple-black in color. Opaque except for the very edge of the rim. Black fruit and some herbal notes on the nose. Blueberry and black currant on the palate with intense fruit flavor and well-structured tannins on the mid-palate. Long finish with just a touch of bitterness. (92 pts.) - 2016 Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Black purple with 100% opacity. Black fruit on the nose, though still a little tanky so some integration is still needed. Blackberry compote on the entry with exploding mid-palate of tannins (wow)! Very long finish with great structure. (92 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Special Reserve White - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Cask sample. Around 37 g/L residual sugar. The mother wine is 12 years old. Gold straw-yellow in color. Some tropical fruits and a touch of spirit on the nose. They hope to bottle this in November 2019. Dry, light with pleasant acidity. Medium-long finish. (88 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Extra Dry White - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Cask sample. Around 37 g/L residual sugar. The mother wine is 12 years old. Gold straw-yellow in color. Some tropical fruits and a touch of spirit on the nose. They hope to bottle this in November 2019. Dry, light with pleasant acidity. Medium-long finish. (88 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto White 10 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Cask Sample. This has not been presented to the IVDP yet for approval. Amber-orange in color. 6-7 years in barrel. Caramel notes and some spirit/spice. Lively acidity, which masks a lot of flavors on the mid-palate. Notes of peach and pineapple on the finish. (90 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Very Old White - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Cask sample. Tan with very light straw in color. Green tinge on the edges. Honey cake and some light herbal notes on the nose. Caramel and tropical fruit notes on the palate. Nice acidity and unctuous profile on the finish. More than 40 years old. (94 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Tawny 10 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Ruby-amber in color – dark for a 10 Year Old Tawny. Nuts, orange spice, and woody notes on the nose. Orange peel and a touch of bitterness on the approach and mid-palate. A long, rich finish. (91 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Tawny 20 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Amber-brown in color with lightening on the edge. Subdued nose, with nuts, wood, and a touch of molasses. Orange, and tangerine on the palate, with well-balanced tannins and lively acidity. Lush mouthfeel and great long finish. (94 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Tawny 30 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Amber-orange with some yellow on the edges. Tobacco leaf and cola on the nose. Lush mouthfeel with cola and brown sugar on the palate. BAM! Expanding flavors of butterscotch and honey on the palate. Great, balanced acidity and tannins on the long finish. (95 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Tawny 40 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Dark amber-orange in color with yellow on the edges. Viragrinho (balsamic), chocolate, colas on the nose. $%@’ing ridiculous mouthfeel and reductive cola, mocha, molasses, and soy sauce on the palate. A touch of salinity on the long and crazy unctuous finish. (96 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Cask 17 Very Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2019)
Cask sample. Over 100 Years Old. Brown-orange in color with some clearing on the edges. Clear. Mahogany, saline, chocolate, and some mint on the nose. Incredibly unctuous mouthfeel with some saline notes. Lively acidity, with orange peel and some mocha on the palate. Waves of flavor roll over the palate into a long finish. An intense flavor that hangs on swallow after swallow. This wine has never been topped off. (98 pts.)