An informal pre-Christmas tasting of ports with the theme "A bottle of port which cost you less than £25", as suggested by winesecretary and organised (with plenty of help from others) by richn.
Double decanted 10 hours earlier, a deep red bordering on purple. Red berries on the nose. Strawberries, a lot of liquorice and spirit in the palate, and rather tannic. Feels a little unfinished, maybe too young (I hope). Getting better and softening up over the evening. Ok to good.
Very deep colour, 90% opaque. Full, rich, and figgy port of the 21st Century, albeit I took it for 2011 rather than 2001. 'A little unfinished' in this company is exactly right. It all got drunk...
Purchased for £10 from Marks & Spencers in their clearance sale towards the end of 2019. Mid red colour with a medium rim, appearing to be in early maturity. Contrasting with the appearance, the nose is quite youthful, powerful and slightly aggressive blackcurrant. But sweet fruit, and lots of it. A big, fruity, blackcurrant palate with soft tannins and spicy alcohol. The acidity really kicks on the aftertaste with a delicious finish. This is lovely, youthful and has a great persistence, really rather nice. Served blind, this was guessed to be Sandeman 2011 LBV. 89/100. Tasted 17-Dec-19. Decanted 9 hours.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
75% opacity, deep dark red. Nose is sweet, full of fruit and some candy. Surpisingly mid-weight, medium tannins, some acidity in the finish which tails off with dryness.
