1904 Burne Turner

[Alex Bridgeman]

A bottle bought at auction in Chiswick and part of a parcel of 5 bottles. The bottler and vintage were clear from the capsule but the cork was unbranded. This bottle was the weakest of the parcel and was down to a level below low shoulder but still had a good colour.

Deep orange in colour, slightly cloudy and 60% opaque. Slightly oxidised on the nose, soft and gentle with coffee and some lifted spirit bringing sweet caramel and nutmeg. Smooth satin texture on entry with soft caramel and tobacco on the palate. Subtle hints of oxidation spoil the flavours but don't completely mask an attractive buttery undertone. Powerful acidity and a dry Angostura Bitters type flavour dominate the aftertaste before leading to a burnt sugar and burnt orange finish of immense length with a surprise burst of green leaf right at the end. From a compromised bottle, this is an astonishing port. WS's educated guess from the flavour profile was that this was from Fonseca. 86/100. Drunk 20-Feb-17. Decanted 1 hour.