Pale rim. A little spirity on the nose ,almost a varnish note but not quite. Warm red fruits on the palate. Still a ghost of tannin on the finish. Very fine wine. Two points from me and a deserving winner on the night.
G48: brown, 30% opaque. Brown sugar, just wonderful mixed spice incl. black pepper, and huge sumptuous orange. Later, the orange was stronger, marmalade-style, with soft spice. And very long. “This is perfect old Port. Just amazing.”
Obvious WOTN. How could this not be everybody’s WOTN? Mysteries never cease.
Graham 1948. A rich burnt ochre colour, 50% opaque. Sweet, mature and attractive on the nose — a nose of fabulous dried fruit and citrus zest. On the palate the wine presents an interesting contrast between sweet fruit and a dry cedar undertone, highlighting the bitter orange or lemon oil. The bitter citrus oil dominates the aftertaste and finish. The wine has great length and persistence. 93/100. (The same score was given 2.5 hours later.)
Tasted at 17.50 on 14-May-2024.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
G48. Light strawberry color, but looks a bit thin. There's a slight caramel note on the nose - possibly a sign of some very faint oxidation? - along with layers of soft, dried red fruits. Those fruits are also found on the palate along with some faint vanilla and some citrus. There are undertones of wood and Christmas spices as well. The finish is surprisingly long for a Port this old. All around just an fantastic port. 97 points and my Port of the night.