2001 Marks and Spencer LBV
Posted: 10:30 Sun 02 Dec 2007
2001 Marks and Spencers (BOB) LBV
Bottled by 'Quinta and Vineyard Bottlers, Vinhos, S.A., VN Gaia'
Which seems understandable subterfuge. Any ideas who that means?
It is also parading a silver medal from the Decanter World Wide awards.
It was on 30% off so came in just over £7.
Classic example of middle of the road, but thoroughly pleasant, M&S food & drink standards.
Fruity aroma, but not as strong as I'd like. It neither Fonseca's you (Power fruits), or Martinez's you (Subtle but substance), but then why should it when its a pleasant LBV.
My criticism would be a tad weak, but not watery weak. The tears are strong, and the colour is deep with a weak rim. Not a great mouthfeel and the aftertaste is smooth but quick.
Second and third glasses are not leaving any overpowering residues, like some nearly great Ports can do.
In summary, this is a very good mid-range LBV. Aimed at the mass market, who will recognise this as Port in its classic form. No risks and I think I would ask a newcomer to Port to try this next to the silky-ier nuttier Warres Otima, to grasp the differences at entry level.
The more I drink this charming, if limited balance, the more I think it should be the 'Standard Benchmark' for ordinary Port, by which you can then easily appreciate all the higher levels of Port. (Everything the Dows 2001 LBV isn't!). When I'm next trying an unusual VP, I would love a small glass of this to occasionally sip, and remind me what the basics should be, before judging the VP.
88/100. Marks & Sparks doing its stuff and Quite Well.
Alan
Bottled by 'Quinta and Vineyard Bottlers, Vinhos, S.A., VN Gaia'
Which seems understandable subterfuge. Any ideas who that means?
It is also parading a silver medal from the Decanter World Wide awards.
It was on 30% off so came in just over £7.
Classic example of middle of the road, but thoroughly pleasant, M&S food & drink standards.
Fruity aroma, but not as strong as I'd like. It neither Fonseca's you (Power fruits), or Martinez's you (Subtle but substance), but then why should it when its a pleasant LBV.
My criticism would be a tad weak, but not watery weak. The tears are strong, and the colour is deep with a weak rim. Not a great mouthfeel and the aftertaste is smooth but quick.
Second and third glasses are not leaving any overpowering residues, like some nearly great Ports can do.
In summary, this is a very good mid-range LBV. Aimed at the mass market, who will recognise this as Port in its classic form. No risks and I think I would ask a newcomer to Port to try this next to the silky-ier nuttier Warres Otima, to grasp the differences at entry level.
The more I drink this charming, if limited balance, the more I think it should be the 'Standard Benchmark' for ordinary Port, by which you can then easily appreciate all the higher levels of Port. (Everything the Dows 2001 LBV isn't!). When I'm next trying an unusual VP, I would love a small glass of this to occasionally sip, and remind me what the basics should be, before judging the VP.
88/100. Marks & Sparks doing its stuff and Quite Well.
Alan