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Notes: Very similar colours as the 2011: opaque purple, fading to red on the edge. More classically “porty” than the younger QdN VPs on the nose, but with fruits more subdued than the 2000 or 2011. A notable amount of sugar in the mouth (something not otherwise present in the QdN Ports). Stacks and stacks of tannins remain but the low acidity means that it is drinkable now as well as being suitable for keeping for the long term.

Tasted at: Quinta do Noval Virtual Tasting with 67 Pall Mall

Date: 28th June 2020

Rated: C

http://www.jacob-head.com/port/records/ ... al_2003_VP

(A Note on Ratings

My rating system attempts to answer the question “is this a good Port?” one of three ways: No; Possibly; or Certainly. Ports generally are rated against others of their category. Therefore, a Ruby Port which I rate as C for Certainly good, might not be as good as a Vintage Port which receives the same rating. I sometimes modify my rating with a plus or minus indicating that the Port is better or worse than might be expected for this category.)

Decanted under Argon by 67 Pall Mall for one of their online Zoom tastings. 2003 was an extremely wet winter (Jan-Apr) giving plenty of water in the soil, but no rain May-Sep, which was hot and dry. The vines were able to cope due to the deep roots and water reserves.

Dark red with no purple in the tone; opaque and with a narrow rim. Sweet, floral nose with a lovely bubblegum fruit filling the senses. Restrained entry, shy at first but slowly revealing dark cherry and cornflower perfume. The fine-grained tannins provide a lovely frame around the fruit, but there is an impression that the fruit is preparing itself for another day. Nice balance to the palate, which really shows on the aftertaste where the slightly rustic fruit is well supported by the generous acidity and fine-grained tannins. The sweet and sticky bramble fruit provides a very long finish. A delicious and very enjoyable Port with a good promise for the future. 91/100.