April 25, 2024
- 1987 Hooper's Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/25/2024)
Amber brown with a light orange rim. The nose reveals red fruit, cinnamon, and oak, with subtle herbal undertones. Cocoa powder and a touch of acidity provide structure to the finish. Though slightly evolved, it still retains balance. (88 pts.) - 1998 Cockburn Porto Vintage Quinta dos Canais - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/25/2024)
Dark amber-purple in color. Aromas of chocolate, tobacco leaf, and ripe red fruit. It has a rich mouthfeel with notes of cranberry, dark berries, and red fruit, supported by firm tannins. The finish is long and slightly warming, with lingering spice and cocoa. (90 pts.) - NV Cockburn Porto Fine White Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/25/2024)
Bright pale yellow in color. The nose shows tropical fruit, ripe citrus, and honeyed floral notes. A lively acidity balances the sweetness, while the mid-palate reveals hints of melon and apricot. The finish is long and fresh, with a lingering touch of stone fruits. (91 pts.)
- 1995 Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva Old Vines - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Amber-Ruby in color. Aromas of aged red fruit, dusty earth, and milk chocolate. The palate is slightly faded but still enjoyable, showing tart cherry, dried herbs, and cocoa. The structure is softening, but the acidity provides lift, ensuring a balanced, albeit mature, experience. (89 pts.) - 2000 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha da Ponte - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Dark Ruby-garnet. A structured wine with dusty red fruit, a hint of smoked bacon, and underlying earthiness. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with Bing cherry, blackcurrant, and medium tannins. A long, slightly dry finish with hints of spice and tobacco. (92 pts.) - 2004 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha da Ponte - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Dark Ruby core with a brown-tinged rim. The nose is packed with dark berries, oak, and bittersweet chocolate. The palate is structured, featuring concentrated red fruit, firm tannins, and a touch of spice. A long, gripping finish suggests further aging potential. (92 pts.) - 2007 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha da Ponte - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Deep, almost opaque Ruby. Aromas of ripe red fruit, dark plums, and a touch of spice. Silky and well-integrated on the palate, with excellent balance between fruit and structure. A refined, harmonious expression with a long finish. (94 pts.) - 2012 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha da Ponte - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Subtle nose of red fruit, cedar, and light oak. The palate is restrained, showing bright red fruit and delicate spice. A refined structure with integrated tannins, though still needing time to evolve further. A promising wine with a lingering, fresh finish. (94 pts.) - 1998 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Dark Ruby center with amber edges. Aged notes of oak, leather, and dusty red fruit on the nose. The palate delivers tart cherry, chocolate, and well-preserved fruit flavors, supported by smooth tannins. A long, earthy finish with a touch of spice and cigar box. (91 pts.) - 2003 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Dark Ruby hue with slight bricking on the edges. Aromas of dried red fruit, cedar, and a hint of spirit. The palate offers evolved dark fruit, some spice, and a warming, structured finish. (93 pts.) - 2005 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Deep Ruby with youthful intensity. The nose showcases rich red fruit, violets, and subtle oak spice. The palate is vibrant, with layers of black cherry, dark chocolate, and refined tannins. A lingering finish with a touch of anise and cedar. (93 pts.) - 2006 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
Deep Ruby with some bricking. The nose is intense, showing rich chocolate, dark red fruit, and dried herbs. The palate is well-structured, but a note of TCA (cork taint) affects the integrity of the wine. (89 pts.) - 2007 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa - Portugal, Douro (4/26/2024)
A beautifully balanced and refined expression of this wine. Aromas of fresh red berries, floral hints, and aged wood. The palate is silky and elegant, showing complex layers of fruit, spice, and earth. A long, lingering finish completes this excellent vintage. (94 pts.) - 1997 Quinta do Crasto Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/26/2024)
Bottled in 2016. Amber-Ruby with orange highlights. A beautiful oxidized nose reveals oak, light spice, and umami notes. The palate is rich with caramelized nuts, dried citrus peel, and orange zest. Bright acidity balances the sweetness, leading to a long, textured finish. (92 pts.) - 1994 Fonseca Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/26/2024)
Dark Ruby with garnet edges. Aromas of dark fruit, floral notes, and spice. The palate is dense with cassis, black plum, and chocolate, framed by bright acidity. The structure is firm yet balanced, leading to a prolonged and elegant finish. (94 pts.) - 1994 Quinta do Vesuvio Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/26/2024)
Opaque dark purple. Beautifully expressive nose with blueberry, violets, and fresh herbs. The palate is powerful yet refined, delivering blackcurrant, ripe blueberries, and structured tannins. The balance is impeccable, with a very long, persistent finish. (95 pts.) - 1995 Quinta do Vesuvio Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/26/2024)
Deep Ruby with slight bricking. Aromas of dark fruit, dried herbs, and warm spice. The palate features ripe stone fruits, blackberries, and red currants. Tannins are firm yet integrated, leading to a structured and elegant finish. (92 pts.)
- 1964 Casa do Douro Porto Vinho Generoso - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/27/2024)
Orange-amber in color with a slightly cloudy appearance. The nose offers aromas of orange caramel and underlying oak. Medium-sweet on entry, balanced by pleasant acidity. Flavors of toffee and burnt sugar emerge, with subtle hints of maple syrup. While enjoyable, it shows signs of age with a slightly tired profile. (88 pts.) - 1974 Barros Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/27/2024)
Bottled in 2022. Deep amber with hints of mahogany. Complex aromas of caramel, dried figs, and Christmas spices. The palate is smooth and luscious, with honey, orange peel, and toasted nuts. A lingering finish with bright acidity adds freshness. (94 pts.) - NV Quinta de Brunheda Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/27/2024)
Bottled in 2022. Dark orange-brown color. A complex, oxidative nose with aged wood, orange spice, and caramelized sugar. The palate is rich and layered, offering salted caramel, light brown sugar, and deep orange zest. Lively acidity provides structure and balance on the very long finish. (95 pts.) - 1971 Château de Rayne-Vigneau - France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes (4/27/2024)
Deep golden hue. Intense aromas of honey, dried apricot, and minerality. The palate is lush and expressive, showcasing honeysuckle, ripe peach, and a touch of pear. Bright acidity balances the rich sweetness, with lingering botrytis complexity. (91 pts.) - 1977 Smith Woodhouse Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/27/2024)
Light amber with golden hints. The nose reveals warm red fruits, milk chocolate, and a touch of spice. The palate is lively, showing raspberry, cassis, and a hint of spirit. Acidity is bright and leads to a refreshing finish. (89 pts.) - 1985 Smith Woodhouse Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/27/2024)
Light amber with golden hues. Aromas of red fruit, subtle chocolate, and Christmas spices. The palate is bright and lively, showcasing raspberry, cassis, and caramelized sugar. A smooth yet structured finish with lingering acidity. (89 pts.) - 1985 Dow Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/27/2024)
Amber in color. Aromas of red fruit, raspberry, and cherry. The palate is complex and well-balanced, featuring layers of dried red berries, tobacco, and spice. This has a long finish with bright acidity. (90 pts.) - 1964 Justino's Madeira Boal - Portugal, Madeira (4/27/2024)
Deep amber-brown. A saline and nutty nose with hints of caramelized orange and toasted almond. The palate is vibrant and textured, delivering bright acidity, dried citrus peel, and a touch of exotic spice. A remarkably long and lingering finish. (93 pts.)