2000 Quinta do Portal LBV Port

[Jay Powers]

Popped open tonight from a half bottle I brought back with me from the Quinta.

This is a really nice wine, and gives many VP's a run for their money. My first thought was that it's more like a 97 or 95 VP rather than a LBV. Not decanted but poured straight from the bottle (there was a little flocculant sediment when I washed out the bottle at the end). Dark ruby color.

The primary taste to me is blackberry, with some gooseberry as well. On the nose there is some of the slightly "musty" (and I dont mean cork) smell that I associate with well aged Bordeaux, a few CA Cabs and merlots, and aged port. This is a port you need to brush your teeth after drinking, with a very long finish for a LBV. Tangy with acidity yet sweet. Not sure how much this would cost in the US (if available) but probably good value if you can get it. I would rate this 5/6-5 on the Tom scale. or ~90 (maybe 91) points on the RP scale for drinking now.

This is nothing like a mature port at present, and is mostly primary. But for an LBV, this probably has better aging potential than 90% of it's class. Sadly I only have one sip left as I write this so there will be no visiting it at later timepoints.

Jay

[Roy Hersh]

Jay,

I also drank mine recently. Have a look at this month's upcoming newsletter for my TN. I also just had the Niepoort LBV and it was quite delicious too.

[Ronald Wortel]

Roy, was that the 2000 or 2001 from Niepoort? I quite preferred the '01 over the '00; more freshness and fruit.

[Michael M.]

I :lick: Niepoort LBV 2001.