1988 Quinta de la Rosa

[uncle tom]

The second of six bottles, decanted yesterday.

This wine has the distinction of being Rosa's first vintage as an independant producer, and it is perhaps unfortunate that they did not launch on a more promising year.

I had this wine tagged as a 'drink up' candidate, based on an encounter with another bottle from this stash, that was strangely ullaged, despite having no sign of seepage - a poor fill I suspect.

However, from this bottle, I think the wine could still benefit from a few more years.

It is no star. A clean but slightly aggressive nose, and on the palate it is rather tart. It lacks the benign 'fireside' character that we all appreciate in a good vintage port. The wine looks the part; but fails to deliver. Pity..

To score - well, it might mellow a little with a few more years, but for now it is close to the bottom rung. But I'll be optimistic..

..so score 2-3

Tom

[uncle tom]

Postscript: A day later, the wine had much better integrity.

Tom

[Simon Lisle]

I've had the 87 with the fancy silvery label but alas it was poor weak all round.