2016 Churchill LBV

[Alex Bridgeman]

Bottled on 14 January 2021 and opened almost exactly 1 year later. Decanted off a surprising amount of sediment. Deep ruby red colour with a medium rim. Fresh red cherry and strawberry nose, fragrant. Medium bodied palate, restrained fruit with considerable tannins and generous levels of acidity. Big aftertaste full of the fragrant fruit; slightly dry finish full of liquorice and aniseed. Good persistence. The back label recommends the wine be given 7-10 years from harvest and it will drink better than today if that advice is followed. 87/100. Tasted 08-Jan-22. Decanted 1 day.

[Mike J. W.]

I'm starting to think that at least 15 years after harvest is the sweet spot for LBV's. I recently went to an LBV tasting of Quinta do Crasto and the older ones ('06 & '07) fared better than the more recent ones, including the '11, which is always good.