For The Love Of Port

Opened last night, sort of a last minute pop and pour, decanted maybe 30 minutes. Light ruby color, browning at the rim. Candied aromas of plum, red cherries, licorice. Totally resolved tannin, full body. Delicious flavors of sweet red fruits similar to the nose. A touch hot. Perfect after the 1991 Barca Vehla we had with dinner. Sorry for the informal note, didn't write anything down.

Michael

Thanks for the note! I have one of these in the cellar and it sounds like it's ready. I would think that the heat in the finish would be lower with more decanting time. It sounds like it showed well in spite of that!
-Dave-

Michael,

Did you finish the bottle in one sitting? I think David is accurate that the spirit in this particular VP integrates with more time. I've taken part in either four or five bottles in the past 12 months and all needed at least four hours in decanter to show their best and even six hours for the best of the bottles. Only one was decanted for just two hours and there was also a bit of spirit in it. The provenance of the 1963 Taylor like any other Shipper is important of course, but when this is at its best, it's still a stunning and powerful VP.

Actually this is one of the lightest (color, flavor, etc.) bottles of the Taylor's 63 that I have had. Do not know provenance before me. I bought these cases 15 years ago and have shown beautifully in past bottles. Always interesting. I usually decant well in advance, but this was a " hey go get a bottle".

Michael