The first 09 update

Again, it's been another long hiatus. Here are some notes on bottles drunk over the past few months:

TAYLOR QUINTA DA VARGELLAS 1995 VINTAGE

Still a dark burgundy color but a good deal lighter than the deep blackish purple I remember from when I first had this port many years ago. The nose has an overall spicey/smokey character with dark notes of plum, blueberry jam and eucalyptus. The spicey/smokey character comes through on the palate as well showing moderate body with flavors of black cherry and currant as well as eucalyptus notes coming through again as well. The finish is of medium length. Perhaps a shorter term wine than I would have thought when it was younger. Not a great Taylor, but pretty good stuff. 87pts, Tasted 11/08

FONSECA QUINTA DO PANASCAL 2005 VINTAGE

Still just a baby of course - inky purple with a thin, vibrant rim. Sweet on the nose with very fragrant notes of blueberry and strawberry - floral and lovely. Shows big, dark, sweet berry fruit on the palate with a solid tannic backbone and fairly long smooth finish. Should be a very nice medium term single quinta. 92pts, Tasted 12/08

QUINTA DO CRASTO 1994 VINTAGE

Eggplant purple with a dark purple/red rim - looks quite young still. A big, powerful nose showing rich aromas of blackberry and lots of black pepper with a hint of dark chocolate. The palate unloads a mass of fresh blackberry fruit, very pure and focused, giving way to spicy black pepper that carries through the medium long finish. The tannins are firm but polished. This one scores high for it's big balanced structure and delicious straigtforward fruit and should continue getting better for a long time to come. 92pts, Tasted 12/08

QUINTA DO VESUVIO 2000 VINTAGE

Pleasant but rather reserved on the nose at this stage - mild dark fruit with a bit of chocolate coming through. Medium bodied palate with cherry and blueberry flavors, though as on the nose it's a bit one dimensional. There is good balance here and a solid structure to the wine, but perhaps it needs some time before it starts to show its stuff. At this stage it's an enjoyable port but unexciting. 87pts, Tasted 12/08



Cheers,

Lamont