Deep red, in early stages of maturity; 50% opaque. At first this was very tight on the nose, perhaps suffering slightly from TCA taint. Sweet on the palate but with fruit that was flattened and a little musty. My conclusion was that this was a touch of TCA over a burly red port. Served blind this was guessed to be Gould Campbell 1977.
No-one else in the group picked up TCA on this port so it was revisited an hour later. After sitting in the glass for a little longer it became clear that this was not tainted but was very tight and closed. The additional time had allowed the wine to open up a little more to reveal a deep and voluminous rich, fruit led and tannin backed glorious glass of port, with a great fruit led finish. 93/100. Decanted 12 hours.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
