2003 Cockburn

[jdaw1]

Part of the large vertical of Cockburn which was held in The Crusting Pipe on Wednesday 8th October 2008. Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 189? Unknown, thought to be Taylor;
• 1908 Cockburn;
• 1912 Cockburn;
• 1924 Unknown;
• 1927 Cockburn;
• 1935 Cockburn (served to left side of table);
• 1935 Cockburn (served to right side of table);
• 1947 Cockburn;
• 1950 Cockburn;
• 1955 Cockburn;
• 1960 Cockburn;
• 1963 Cockburn;
• 1967 Cockburn;
• 1970 Cockburn;
• 1975 Cockburn;
• 1977 Cockburn (unofficial bottling);
• 1983 Cockburn;
• 1985 Cockburn;
• 1991 Cockburn;
• 1994 Cockburn;
• 1997 Cockburn;
• 2000 Cockburn;
• 2003 Cockburn;
• 2007 Cockburn cask sample (Touriga Nacional);
• 2007 Cockburn cask sample (Touriga Franca);
• Planning and arrangements;
• Placemats.

[jdaw1]

2003 Cockburn: very purple red, and nosing of young black cherry. Rather light for an ’03. Is that caused by the high proportion of Tinto Cão grape?

No pictures — sorry.

[DRT]

Big primary fruit smell. Great complexity but surprisingly little tannin. Good finish.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Deep red colour, lighter on the rim. Slightly harsh on the nose over the fresh cranberries and bramble. Sweet fruit, mixed with an interesting pine sap initially but this is overwhelmed by the huge amount of fruit - but fruit which is held in a gentle restraint . What a lovely structure. Very mouthfilling and with a huge aftertaste. A massive aftertaste. Extremely enjoyable now but will be a real star in 20-50 years time. This blend had more Tinta Cao than the normal blend. 90/100.

[jdaw1]

Miguel Côrte-Real sent AHB some of his own notes on the various vintages, some obviously drafted in advance, some from the day itself.

2003

Generic Information
Declared by all Port houses

Year/Viticulture
The year was remarkable in may ways. Only rarely does one come across an agricultural year when everything falls perfectly into place. We had a wet winter in the Douro, a bright spring allowing an even flowering and bunch-set of the grapes, a hot summer, and perfect conditions in which both harvesting and fermentation were carried out to perfection.

Tasting Notes
It is vibrant in coloir, intensity purple [sic] and with aromas of blackberries and mature plums; it has an elegant tannic structure, and it's full and firm on palate. Beautifully balanced with a long and slightly dry finish resonating with chocolate overtones.

Other
The fresh herb-laced aromatics of the dark-coloured 2003 Cockburn Vintage Port reveals loads of spirit-infused black fruits. Armed with a gorgeously rich and fruit packed mid-palate. (R. Parker)

MC-R notes
9/10