NV Churchill White (Sweet Caroline)

[JacobH]

My other half likes the song “Sweet Caroline” for the same reasons that I think Caroline Graham—after whom this wine is named—does. We also had the Churchill white as one of the Ports at our wedding. As a result it was inevitable that this bottle would be opened straight away.

Beautiful deep golden colour. Looks quite old. Nose is deeply concentrated with a mixture of subtle tropical and dried fruits. Unexpected edge of cherry, too. In the mouth big initial hit of acidity and sugar. Almost like drinking a Madeira. The mouthfeel is notable. Unctuous and thick. The fruits are mostly dried but are well balanced and subtle. Aftertaste is medium. I would probably describe this as a Lagrima and think it is one of the most interesting sweet white Ports I have tried.

Date: 3rd November 2021

Rated*: P+

http://jacob-head.com/port/records/tast ... 20Caroline

* A Note on Ratings

My rating system attempts to answer the question “is this a good Port?” one of three ways: N—No; P—Possibly; or C—Certainly. Ports generally are weighted slightly by their category. Therefore, a Ruby Port might receive a C rating for Certainly good which it might not were it to be a Vintage Port. I sometimes modify my rating with a plus or minus indicating that the Port is better or worse than might be expected for this category.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Thank you for posting your note so promptly. It sounds like the perfect bottle for my tastes!

[Glenn E.]

Is this the Club White Port or is this a new offering at retail?

Even though I like my Ports sweet, I generally find Lagrima to be rather cloying. But a Lagrima with acidity? That sounds great!

[MigSU]

I agree, Lágrima is a bit too much.

[JacobH]

Is this the Club White Port or is this a new offering at retail?

Even though I like my Ports sweet, I generally find Lagrima to be rather cloying. But a Lagrima with acidity? That sounds great!

It’s a Port Club special. Sorry: I should have said. Although I think they could make this as an interesting alternative to their standard white. Perhaps bottled in halves as an attempt at tapping into the pudding wine market.