I also had the chance to sample a Royal Oporto 1977 Colheita which turned out to be an enjoyable wine as well. Not a tawny that impresses with complexity, but a pleasingly rich port well suited to sipping with dessert.
The week ended with a Burmester 1970 which I thought I had found for a very good deal. Although I know that Burmester is known for making great colheitas, not necessarily vintage ports, I figured that a great vintage like 1970 would be a decent bet regardless of the fact that it was coming from a less prestigious name. It was a bad bet. It turns out this was one of those instances when I just could't help but be disappointed. Oh well, I suppose you always have to risk a bum bottle here and there - two outta three ain't bad. Notes as follows:
TAYLOR FLADGATE VINTAGE 1975
Bright brick red in color with orangey hints on the rim. The nose is expressive and complex: dried cherry, cranberry, orange peel and coffee bean - there was also a bit of alcohol but this blew off after a little more airing out. The palate is well fleshed out: smooth cherry fruit and tangerine mingle with a mild spiciness and continue to evolve through the medium length finish, revealing nutty caramel nuances as well. The tannins are velvety and the mouthfeel a bit creamy - overall drinking lovely. I would think that this is one that would be best to open now or in the very near future - it's delicious but getting delicate. My first tasting of a port from my birth year and it turned out to be a winner. Great fully mature port! 91 pts.
- Tasted 2/08
ROYAL OPORTO COLHEITA 1977
Dark amber in color - The nose is sweet and rich, something like caramelized bananas and cinnamon with vanilla ice cream. The palate is also on the sweet side, though short of being overwhelmingly so, as the acidity is just enough to balance out the full carmelized fruit flavor profile, edged with citrus notes and ending with a fairly long finish. This colheita doesn't show quite as much complexity as I might expect from a tawny of this age, however it's a nice rich treat. It went perfectly with the vanilla-pear cake that I ate with it. 85 pts.
- Tasted 2/08
BURMESTER VINTAGE 1970
A mature brick red in color, beginning to take on a slightly orange hue. The nose is subdued and somewhat musty, reminiscent of strawberries and marischino cherries, with a strong hint of tar as well. Initially the palate gives a pleasant dose of mellow fruit, basically echoing the flavors that came through on the nose, but comes apart a little on the mid-palate with some spirit showing through and the fruit sort of falling into the background. The finish adds a bit of complexity, lingering with a nutty undertone, but it's relatively short and covered up somewhat by the spirt that's there also. Not exactly unpleasant, but overall has a slighly out of balance and tired out feel to it. Not a bottle I would recommend - there is much better to be had for your buck. 78 pts.
- Tasted 2/08
- Lamont Huxley
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