NV Churchill Crusted 2000

[uncle tom]

From a case bought two years ago.

Light, slightly watery bouquet - on the palate it is relatively dry. Somewhat lacking in body and noticeably tannic. Little fire though.

- A good quaff - sound after dinner booze for those who think they have to eat Stilton at the same time..

However, the fresh approachable nature of crusted port says a lot for the benefits of blending wines from different years.

This being the third bottle I've opened from the case, I sense the wine is a little less raw than a year ago. While perfectly guzzleable now, it will probably improve a little more with time - I sense that 10-15 years is peak drinking age here.

Will I buy more? Not actively. I can't argue that this is in any way better than the Morgan '91, and a bottle typically costs 50% more retail.

In my little notebook for pricing non-vintage port at auction, I have an entry: "Crusted - under 20yrs old - all shippers - £7.00/btl"

However, only Garrafeiras are less frequently under the hammer!

Tom

[uncle tom]

Small post script..

I decanted this bottle on Saturday, and have been a little slow with the consumption..!

It was noticeably better after 48 hours - more integration, less overtly tannic - and now, a day later, it is better still.

Note to me - plan ahead next time..!

Tom

[uncle tom]

Another bottle quaffed this week - tannins less of an issue with this bottle, but it seemed a bit lame and feeble until - again after 48hrs decanting - it achieved good integration - candied licorice came to mind!

A few more years will probably pay further dividends..

Tom