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Question about 1994 and 1997 Passadouro

Posted: 18:27 Tue 04 Sep 2007
by John Danza
Hello all,

I saw some discussion about Passadouro in the '92 Fonseca thread, so I thought I would ask a question. I've got a bottle of both the 1994 and 1997 Passadouro. Does anyone have any thoughts on when they should be opened? I have no experience with these bottlings.

Thanks much.
John

Posted: 22:08 Thu 06 Sep 2007
by Alex Bridgeman
John,

I haven't tried either of these wines, so can't give you any suggestions based on personal experience but, in general, I enjoy the '94s at the moment but accept that they are likely to be better in 10 years and I also avoid the '97s as they seem very closed at the moment and will not be worth drinking for another 5-10 years.

But that is a pure generalisation and based hugely on my personal preferences.

Alex

Posted: 09:19 Fri 07 Sep 2007
by Michael M.
AHB wrote:John,

... I also avoid the '97s as they seem very closed at the moment and will not be worth drinking for another 5-10 years.

Alex
Hi,

I can report the following exceptions. Porto Pocas Vintage Port 1997 is astonishingly open and can be drunken with a lot of pleasure. Dito for the Rozès Vintage Port 1997, a few months ago.

Cheers
Michael

Posted: 15:02 Fri 07 Sep 2007
by RonnieRoots
It took me a while to respond, because I had the impression that I have tasted at least the 1994, but I can't find any notes anywhere. I recall it being pleasant. I don't think I've ever tasted the 1997. From the vintages that I've tasted, I can say that Passadouro is usually good for the short- to mid-term. They are not massive wines, but give lots of pleasure when you drink them. I would open the 1994 and see what it does.

Passadouro is normally fairly early drinkable

Posted: 08:05 Fri 28 Sep 2007
by Axel P
I just been to Passadouro and have (always had) the impression that the Passadouros are fairly early drinkable. I had the 94 once, forgot to make notes, but from memory I can tell that it wasnt as concentrated as the other 94s I had so far.

I would wait another 5 years with both bottles. If you must, I would go for the 94 first.

They are good wines, but neither pricingwise nor qualitywise comparatable to the "big" 94s.

Axel

Posted: 12:23 Fri 28 Sep 2007
by John Danza
Thanks everyone for the updates. I'll sit on these bottles for a few years and then give them a go. I'll post notes when I finally open them.

John

Posted: 13:19 Fri 28 Sep 2007
by Frederick Blais
I've tasted both in the last year.

94 is open, tannins are solved. Not very complex, but enjoyable, full of plums and licorice.

97 is also maturing fast for a VP, bigger than 94 atm, flavours are similar, some tannins left, very enjoyable and balanced.

Drink the 94 and keep the 97 for another 5 years I'd say.