Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas Vintage 1988
It is over four years since I last tried a Vargellas of this vintage so it will be interesting see if there is much difference between the tastings.
This time the colour was almost inky black with just a hint of ruby to lighten it. A touch of amber could be seen in the rim. The nose was rich and redolent with plummy fruit scents. It had a sweet and full flavour of sweet plums balanced against a spicey tannic pepperiness. There wasn't a lot of depth but the combination rich fruit and pepper made this a satisfying digestive after a rich meal.
Quinta do Crasto Vintage 1999
Well blow me down, I had intended writing this one up tomorrow having decanted said port this afternoon. However the missus has been hammering the decanter all evening and if I don't do it now it won't get done. Must be jolly good port judging from the way she is knocking it back. I must add that this is a very special bottle as it was given to us during a visit to the quinta a few years back. Muito obrigado Jorge.
There was a dark almost inky ruby colour that was coupled with a plummy slightly oily nose. This was not the most intense port that I have ever tasted but I reckon we cracked this bottle at just the right time. Rich plummy fruit flavours combined harmoniously with subtle oily aldehydes to give a satisfyingly rounded experience. It didn't have the depth of a classic vintage but showed what could be achieved from a selected wine of a not quite so auspicious harvest. It must be good as the missus has just put the last of it in her glass.
