1999 Warre Colheita (bottled 2013)

[Alex Bridgeman]

An exceedingly detailed label which informs the reader that the port was bottled in 2013 at the lodge Armazem do Castelo by Symington Family Estates Vinhos Lda after having been aged in 534 litre seasoned oak casks and that the lote size is 191 pipes (which I reckon to be about 130,000 bottles).

A deep coppery red colour, 60% opaque. A lovely nose of Christmas mincemeat, spicy, rich and full of dried fruits soaked in brandy - really very nice. Somewhat hollow entry, and with a mid-palate led by the brandy but underneath the heat is a lovely collection of deep orange zest and zinging acidity that pulls together into an enjoyable palate. Sticky aftertaste, rather like dried figs and citrus peel with a long length that is dominated by the bitterness found in burnt sugar on a creme brulee. A pleasant port, certainly better than the alternative of no port at all! 85/100. Drunk 12-Apr-14.