- The darkest of the three 1994 Vintage Ports
- 1994 Dow.JPG (218.27 KiB) Viewed 727 times
The 1994 Library Release launch event was headlined by Anthony, Harry and Tom Symington. This is the first re-release (of only 200 cases of 12) of the 1994 vintage from Oporto reserves since the initial shipments in 1996/7. All bottles have been recorked before shipping. There is also a program to inspect bottles in the Vila Nova de Gaia cellars every 8-10 years and to recork those showing signs of the corks starting to fail. Charles recalls working in Fells during the 1994 harvest but working with Peter in the blending and tasting of the vintage and that this was one of the fastest decisions he has seen whether or not to declare. All the 1994 wines were foot-trodden as modern lagars were introduced with the 2000 vintage.
Based on grapes principally sourced from Bomfim and Senhora da Ribeira. The darkest and most youthful in appearance of the three 1994 Vintage Ports; opaque with a medium rim. Fresh nose, sweet and amazingly fragrant with powerful pure bramble fruit and a hint of menthol. This has a wonderful nose. Soft tannins grip the palate on entry, the fruit is so bright with the acidity giving the wine such a clear focus and freshness. Bramble fruit with a hint of peppercorn heat. The heat and pepper shows on the aftertaste before the bramble and dark cocoa tannins settle in. The finish is fantastic and so long with a lovely mint tone at the end of the stunning finish. This is a wine which really demands attention, incredibly precise and so different in style from the Graham. Which is better is a matter of personal preference. 94/100. Tasted 02-Nov-21. Decanted 1½ hours.