Dark red, 60% opaque. Amazing fruity nose, more like an unfortified Californian cabernet than a port. Richly fruited in the mouth. Splendid stuff for drinking now and over the next decade or so. WOTN, and one that 10 of the 14 attendees gave points to.
I find myself against trend here. I see the immediate appeal of this fresh young thing. And somewhat like the 94 it has amazingly held on to its youth. But I found some VA a distraction and ultimately for me the profile a bit simple. Doesn't fall off midway like the 94. I don't vote based on a port's future hence potential not included in my voting but I certainly wouldn't bet against it.
Deep rich red colour, a medium rim and an opaque centre. Gentle, very fruity, black cherry nose - sweet and immensely pronounced, surprisingly primary. Wonderful primary black cherry fruit on the palate. A huge palate, with slightly high toned blackcurrant cough pastille on the mid-palate. Stunningly primary on this wonderful palate. Primary blackcurrant and the black cherry fruit on the aftertaste leads to a fantastic blackcurrant and slightly acidic and green finish. An amazing Port and my clear wine of the night. 94/100.
I guess I didn't find the VA (the "high toned") as distracting as Nick did.
Top Ports in 2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!