2003 Portal VP
Posted: 19:46 Wed 12 Nov 2008
Tasted on October 25, 2008. More details here.
Having hear so many good things about this port I was a little biased before tasting it. It had to be very, very good. Unfortunately, it wasn't that good, although I much enjoyed it. I guess I missed the train and had it a couple of years too late.
Decanted for about 10 hours. Maybe longer decanting is needed to open it up? I can't see it could hurt.
Anyhow, closed nose and taste with fruits and pepper (a typical sign for Portal's ruby style ports). Color not black/dark purple any more and this is explained by the massive amounts of sediment. A bit dry. I liked it, but I would rather have drunk Portal's 2004 or 2005 SQVP! Note to self: I should do a tasting of these three side by side ...
I will keep all my remaining bottles unopened for perhaps 5-10 years before drinking any as that may help it open up and become more interesting. For drinking now it has a wrong QPR.
Having hear so many good things about this port I was a little biased before tasting it. It had to be very, very good. Unfortunately, it wasn't that good, although I much enjoyed it. I guess I missed the train and had it a couple of years too late.
Decanted for about 10 hours. Maybe longer decanting is needed to open it up? I can't see it could hurt.
Anyhow, closed nose and taste with fruits and pepper (a typical sign for Portal's ruby style ports). Color not black/dark purple any more and this is explained by the massive amounts of sediment. A bit dry. I liked it, but I would rather have drunk Portal's 2004 or 2005 SQVP! Note to self: I should do a tasting of these three side by side ...
I will keep all my remaining bottles unopened for perhaps 5-10 years before drinking any as that may help it open up and become more interesting. For drinking now it has a wrong QPR.