2005 Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Vintage Port

[Stewart T.]

(Cask Sample) Dark purple in color. Violets on the nose. Supple, coating mouthfeel. Some spearmint on the nose as well. Some spice mixed in with the tannins on the medium-long finish. 91 points. 11/6/07

[Andy Velebil]

I sampled this bottle over three days.

This started out on the dark purple side and never really got much darker, barily staining the sides of the glass. The nose initially showed signs of blackberry, cassis that evolved into lavender and cherry by day three. I did get just a hint of some mocha on day two. But the nose was always very soft and uninspiring. The palate started off very light with little in the way of acidity and only some light tannins showing. The fruit was almost candied, showing blueberries and chocolate and was fairly simple and one dementional. However, by the end of day two the acidity was in full swing and the fruit was now nice dark blackberries, with a hint of tobacco, and a pleasant dustiness on the finish. The finish did gain in length, but never really acheived anything more than a pleasurable simple finish. I have to agree with a comment Roy made in his tasting note about this wine. If I had this served to me blind I would have guessed it was a decent LBV.
86-87 points. 01/26/08

[Andy Velebil]

I think its only fair to update this after being open for 5 days. Yes, that has got to be a record for me to have a VP last that long

On day 4 the tannins became much more evident and have held so into day 5. No change on the palate or finish so my score remains the same. This is a VP that is easly enjoyable young and will be a decent mid-term VP.