1977 Barão de Vilar Colheita Port

[Todd Pettinger]

Barao de Vilar Colheita Port [1977]

Bottled in 2008

Extremely dark in colour, almost of a weak coffee. Browns mixed with orange, no traces of ruby or reds.

An intense nose of caramel, toasted sugar and espresso. Raisins and figs, with some mocha appearing at times. Madeira-like in consistency and palate, a sticky sweet that lasts an awful long time. Lots of glycerin gives this one long clear legs that stick to the sides of the glass for literally minutes.

With traces of outstanding alcohol, the three hours decant time appeared to be not enough. Later visitations after the 6 and 8 hour marks left a much smoother, well-integrated Port with no harsh alcohol standing out. A generous acidity had me thinking Madeira rather than Port.

Good, concentrated flavours. Smokey, toasted brown sugar and a deep wood taste. Mocha and raisins appear on the secondary palate.

93 pts