1987 Cockburn Tua

[Alex Bridgeman]

Owned by Cockburn and bottled in 1990 in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the firm. About 10 years ago I bought a couple of cases of this port and used it as my house port - but the last one was drunk about 5 years ago so it was a real pleasure to have an opportunity to try it again.

A lovely rich magenta in colour, very much younger than the Royal Oporto of a few days ago. Warm, rich fruit on the nose, similar to a Christmas Pudding just out of the steamer. The richness comes through on the palate, fruit is the first impression but then waves of new fruit and spices come through until it reaches a crescendo. Only as the crescendo starts to fade away do the tannins peep out, but these are fully integrated. The port rewards patience, the longer you hold it in your mouth the more it reveals. The aftertaste is lovely, full of cherries and milk chocolate and very long lasting. As delicious as I remember. 92/100 after 5 hours in a decanter. Drunk 4 January 2009.

[uncle tom]

Great note Alex - I shall look forward to sampling one!

Tom