2004 Quinta do Infantado LBV (unfiltered)

[JacobH]

An unfiltered LBV, bottled in 2009. Almost no sediment nor ingress into the driven cork.

At 0+ hours, this is very dark purple, still leaving a notable trace of colour as it swirls around the glass. On the nose, there is that certain grapyness of a young vintage port, along with a surprisingly long-lasting and beautiful floral scent. There is perhaps, also, a touch of alcohol and, slightly unexpectedly, something else that reminds me of immature nuts.

In the mouth, I am immediately taken by this Port’s dryness and acidity, the latter being quite startling with a sensation no dissimilar to a shot of lemon being added. This is followed by a pretty, rounded fruit--red currants predominately--and then an aggressive tannic structure which grabs the back of the throat.

I think this needs more time. Both in the glass and in the bottle. Not an easy wine to drink at the moment, but one which I think deserves some respect.

[JacobH]

At 23+ hours the nose has matured and settled: it is slightly less grapy; still very floral; and with a certain amount of red currants.

In the mouth, much as yesterday, but perhaps a little more mellow, with less immediate acidic attack.