Sunday 5 January 2014

Sainsbury's Quinta da Eira Velha Vintage 2000

Sainsbury's Quinta da Eira Velha Vintage 2000


This was bought from Sainsbury's under their "taste the difference" label about five years ago. It was obviously a bit young then but it was a silly price. By the time we had used up all our vouchers and Nectar points and had five for the price of six it was about £15 a bottle. The wine had a really deep ruby colour and a strikingly fruity nose. It still tasted quite young with lots of fresh grape flavour and noticeable tannins. Not a lot of depth so this may end up being one of those pleasantly easy drinking ports in another five years or so.

It is interesting to note that this must have been one of the last vintages made at the quinta before it was bought by the Taylor Fladgate group. I doubt that they kept the vinification equipment at the quinta as the grapes may now be shipped off to their established adegas. Historically and uniquely the ports from this quinta used to be shipped to Newfoundland for aging prior to being sold on the Canadian market.

We opened another bottle on 11th September 2015. The wine was still strikingly dark with lots of fresh grape and tannin flavours. On the basis of this tasting I think I will revise my prediction of five years to ten years for this port to reach its best.

Saturday 4 January 2014

Royal Oporto Colheita 1999 (Bottled 2013)

Royal Oporto Colheita 1999 (Bottled 2013)

Clear bright amber colour with a strong barley sugar nose. This was a lovely smooth port which was moderately complex with the sweetness of dried fruits balanced by an oaky dryness.