1963 Rebello Valente
Posted: 22:38 Thu 28 Jan 2010
Decanted cleanly from a modest amount of sediment. Well coloured red, deep in tone but with a transparent centre and just a hint of bricking on the rim. Nosing of sweet dusty strawberries; nicely balanced entry with sweetness and acidity at first well matched, but the acidity grows and dominates. Good levels of sweet strawberry fruit and a vibrant pepperiness—almost curry-like—in the mid-palate. Very pleasant development and surprising complexity. Perhaps a little light bodied. Slightly harsh on the initial aftertaste, but leaves a dry and very pleasant length with the tannins giving plenty of dry cocoa flavour to go with the slightly jammy strawberries. A very pleasant wine, perfect to share with another port lover. 86/100. Drunk 28 January 2010 after 3 hours' decanting.
A couple more hours in the glass allowed some cedar wood and tobacco flavours to come through the wine, and a flavour which was captured well as ‘cola cubes’. An extra point was generated for the improvement. 87/100.
A couple more hours in the glass allowed some cedar wood and tobacco flavours to come through the wine, and a flavour which was captured well as ‘cola cubes’. An extra point was generated for the improvement. 87/100.
