Medium mature red colour with a pink rim; 90% opaque. Soft nose, not showing much but what little there is comprises sweet redcurrant cordial cmbined with harsh rose-hip. Light entry, sweet but with little flavour at first. Air on the mid-palate releases soft and gentle fruit. The palate has a lovely delicate structure with soft tannins nearly melded into the fruit with a wonderful lightness and elegance. A lovely aftertaste and finish, full of mature fruit with hints of tannins and some heat at first. This port has a balance and elegance that was missing from the Gould Campbell or Smith Woodhouse. 94/100. 19-Dec-17. Decanted 5 hours.
Top Ports in 2022: Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port. I cried with joy.
2023: Fonseca 1966. There are not many better Ports, except a good bottle of Fonseca 1927. Wow!
65% opacity, dark red. Hint of coffee and bitterness on the nose. Rich mouthfeel, heat mid to late palate, syrupy molasses, great structure, tannins in the finish.
