A 60cl sample of P(p)ort arrived at my house today. The only clue as to its source was a UK postmark.
The colour is dark red, although translucent when held up to the light. The nose is very fresh and filled with red fruits. Lighter in the mouth than I expected. Initially quite hot and tannic then fruity and dry. I am convinced I can taste vodka in the mid-palate - A decent finish with a little bitterness on the tongue.
A very acceptable glass.
So:
1. Who do I have to thank?
2. What is it?
"The first duty of Port is to be red" Ernest H. Cockburn
No signs of TCA! Bottled by the Wine Society, although bearing a Gould Campbell label. Deep red in colour, with just a bit of paling on the rim; transparent centre. On the nose there are raspberries and redcurrants, with a glorious thyme twist. In the mouth this is big and bold, with fruit everywhere. Texturally, a little thin but with so many layers of flavours that it reminds me of eating red licorice. The longer it stays in the mouth, the more it develops but when the wine is swallowed the flavours just explode. The tannins linger and leave a long kiss of dark chocolate, accompanied by morello cherries. The length is quite something. When you come across one of these bottles without the TCA taint, they are fabulous. 94/100. Drunk 7 March 2009.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
- A decent finish with a little bitterness on the tongue.