For The Love Of Port

This wine is produced on the previously Calem owned vineyard. The family sold the brand but kept the vineyards. José Maria Calem did a joint venture with Cristiano Van Zeller and Jorge Serodio Borges to make this wine. 2004 is the first release of this wine. The label is made in a way to remember the simple chalk markings on Port barrels.

Deep purple color, the nose is very attractive with loads of violet, plums, crushed cherries and licorice. The entry on the palate is fresh, very ripe with predominant acidity, then tannins get in with spicy flavours and ripe fruits. Over all the balance is there, it has fresh but very ripe and pure fruits, the oak flavours are present only on the long fruity finish. Well made and should age very well! 17/20

Great write up Frederick. After the 2007 Harvest Tour, I spent the better part of a day with José Maria Calem and his entire family. They treated me like I was a family member spoiled me doing barrel tastings and trying lots of bottled gems that I will write about at some point. I really like Mr. Calem and have a lot of respect for what he is doing now.

I noted a bit of sadness that he had to sell the company, but I think with their Foz vineyard and great site at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhao rivers, they will continue to be a great success. I liked the VT and tried the 2005 too.

Coincidentally, they have a US importer just a few miles away from where I live so there will be an endless supply which is a good thing!

I met one of the family member last month in Montreal. He was indeed very kind. The 2005 though was in a total close stage. He said it is probably because it has just arrive in Quebec and it is suffering from the travel shock. I need to translate those tasting notes one day!