2000 Ferreira Vintage Port:
The tasting was hosted by Ferreira with winemaker Jose Maria Soares Franco giving the 3 hour presentation on Barca Velha and of course, the 3 centuries of Ferreira Port.
This wine is inky, almost black in color it is so concentrated. The nose was incredibly floral-sweet (apparently a typical Ferreira style). The taste was soft lush plums and currant and showed suprisingly balanced and deep.
Comments were that this port would drink well early...but had enough backbone to age well.
100% of the grapes are crushed in *lagar to commence fermentation. In addition to Quinta do Seixo, Quinta da Leda a little known grape grower upriver near the Spanish border provides some of the key grapes. These include a variety of 5 or 6 clones of essential Touriga Nacional grape for Jose Soares Franco to use in his blend.
*lagar- a low-sided stone trough where grapes are trodden and fermented.
Notes from Vancouver Wine Festival
KWB March 2003
2000 Ferreira
2000 Ferreira Vintage Port
Age is not important unless you're a Port.