1997 Barros
Posted: 21:39 Tue 12 May 2020
This is VP not Colheita. Decanted 1 hr.
60% opaque, slightly browning at the rim.
Slightly reduced nose, would perhaps benefit from longer decant. But, a nice prune note among the raspberries.
Quite high toned on the palate but not bothersomely so, classical cherry stone with a flicker of Seville orange towards the end. Fairly long, and distinctly mouthwatering, finish.
+ 24 hours
It has darkened a little, 75% opaque. The prune note has become pruneaux fourre on the nose and now carries through rather deliciously onto the palate. Cherry and cocoa nibs on the warming finish. Still high-toned, but not oppressively so.
In truth I did not have particularly high expectations; but I am agreeably surprised. While it will never be a 'great' wine this is good port, certainly up to the standards of the SQVPs from the likes of Fonseca of the same era.
A decade ago AHB suggested it needed another five or ten years to come round, and he was quite right. Drink now, I think, and over the next five years, although I suspect it will survive a decade or so.
60% opaque, slightly browning at the rim.
Slightly reduced nose, would perhaps benefit from longer decant. But, a nice prune note among the raspberries.
Quite high toned on the palate but not bothersomely so, classical cherry stone with a flicker of Seville orange towards the end. Fairly long, and distinctly mouthwatering, finish.
+ 24 hours
It has darkened a little, 75% opaque. The prune note has become pruneaux fourre on the nose and now carries through rather deliciously onto the palate. Cherry and cocoa nibs on the warming finish. Still high-toned, but not oppressively so.
In truth I did not have particularly high expectations; but I am agreeably surprised. While it will never be a 'great' wine this is good port, certainly up to the standards of the SQVPs from the likes of Fonseca of the same era.
A decade ago AHB suggested it needed another five or ten years to come round, and he was quite right. Drink now, I think, and over the next five years, although I suspect it will survive a decade or so.