1871 Quinta do Loureiro Colheita

[Alex Bridgeman]

From Quinta de Loureiro, a colheita from 1871 although the date is not permitted on the label by the IVDP. Bottled about 35-40 years ago.

Deep brown in colour, opaque and slightly soupy. Huge nose, full of rancio and very clearly a barrel aged colheita. Stringly acidic, mild coffee flavours over the top of concentrated lime and grape juice. A big, acidic aftertaste, leaving dry cheeks and a rancio impression. Lingering dry grapefuit finish. 86/100.

Two days later this had benefitted from the extra air contact. The nose had become elegant, with a good grapefruit focus. On the palate this was full of sweet brown sugar and bitter grapefuit, delivering a big palate presence. Good structure and showing well. Warm, burnt sugar aftertaste and long grapefruit / lemon peel finish. A very good showing. 90/100. 13-Jun-12. Decanted 2 days.

[idj123]

I acquired a bottle of this some time back. Haven't yet cracked it open but question for Alex-how did you determine that it was bottled 35-40 years since as you said, there is nothing on the bottle to indicate?

[Alex Bridgeman]

I acquired a bottle of this some time back. Haven't yet cracked it open but question for Alex-how did you determine that it was bottled 35-40 years since as you said, there is nothing on the bottle to indicate?

Purely as an estimate from the appearance of the bottle, sello and label.

[idj123]

Thanks Alex-stencilled label and no sello. Guess I'll just need to drink it and take a view.