1994 Quinta do Crasto

[Alex Bridgeman]

Deep red, opaque centre and a dark rim. Restrained on the nose but faintly showing strawberries syrup. Very sweet, medium texture. Tannins show through the sweet fruit, but these are fairly soft and gentle. There is a bit of heat in the mouth and a slight distracting harshness. The aftertaste is dominated by licorice and holds at a low level, but is persistent and pleasant. There was some discussion that this was shut down, at least as far as any 1994 port has shut down. Will turn into something simply fabulous if it knits itself back together. 86/100. Drunk 29 June 2009.