Fonseca Vintage 1985
This port had a clear inky dark ruby colour. The appearance was matched with a moderately plummy and fruity nose which was still fresh after 30 years. Tasting revealed a pleasantly plummy and smooth port without a great deal of depth. The ageing had removed all the tannins to leave just a pleasantly fruity and sweet drink with a degree of spiciness that was reminiscent of a plum pie served with custard.
The lack of depth meant this was more akin to a typical single quinta vintage than a full bodied vintage from a really great harvest. However it was pleasant enough in its own right and in perfect condition for current drinking.
Quevedo 30 Year Old White Port
A golden brown colour was accompanied by a distinctly spicey and oakey nose. There was little sensation of fruit or sweetness in the taste as complex astringent oak and citrus flavours were very much in predominance. This made for a very special port experience that could only have developed in a wine made from white grapes; tawnies of this age usually have quite a significant body built on dried fruit flavours derived from the red berries. This is a port to be sipped and savoured at leisure to allow a full appreciation of its unique properties.
Quevedo Colheita 1996 Bottled in 2013
A deep brown colour was matched with a rich christmassy nose of dried fruits and mixed nuts. The taste was marked by contrasting flavours of sweet dried fruits and the bitterness of old oak. The counterbalance of the sweet and bitter elements was reminiscent of a good quality dark chocolate.
Quinta do Portal 29 Grapes
At a recent visit to Quinta do Portal I asked for a couple of bottles of 27 Grapes as it is a reserve ruby to which I am particularly partial. I was informed that they didn't sell 27 Grapes but they did have some 29 Grapes! So now it contains another two grape varieties.
There was a deep ruby colour with a rich grapey nose. It had a rich smooth fruity taste coupled with a warm, deep body and a hint of spice. This remains one of my favourite examples of this type of port.
Vista Alegra LBV 2009
Dark ruby colour with a fruity nose. This port has good body combined with fresh soft fruity flavours. There was a slight tannic sparkle in the background.
Vista Alegre LBV 2005
Deep dark ruby colour with a rich fruity nose. This port was rich and full bodied yet soft and fruity at the same time.
Augusto's Tawny Reserve
Dark brownish red colour matched with a plummy slightly medicinal nose. The port itself tasted wonderfully rich with the flavour of plummy fruits predominating over dried fruits, nuts and spices.
