Alex, Axel, Enrico, Julian, Phil, Tom, and two Wolfgangs met for luncheon on Wednesday 20th December 2017 at Otto’s Restaurant (182 Gray’s Inn Road WC1X 8EW).
Very clear and light in colour compared to the other ports at this tasting, and orange barley-sugar colour; 40% opaque. Oxidised and unattractive nose. Sweet and smooth entry bringing a dry core with some tannins still showing. There is some harshness on the palate, which is rather woody and with bitter cranberry and cedar. The aftertaste is hot with a chewy bitter edge and a touch of quinine on the long finish. This is enjoyable, but not a great port as some of the others are. 82/100.
Top Ports in 2021: Niepoort Garrafeira 1931; Niepoort VV (1960s bottling) and Cockburn 1969 Single Harvest Tawny
Top Port in 2022 so far: the most stunning bottle of Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port.
Immediately post-decant this had good flavour, slight acid on finish; fell apart very quickly.
I suspect Alex's note may reflect the wine at 30mins+, at which point what started out as good flavour has disappeared behind the bitterness and heat that appeared.
Rating: ex- immediately post-decant, but either poor or NR/faulty shortly thereafter.