1966 Rocha Colheita Port

[Glenn E.]

Opened on Wednesday night, 11/26/2008. Notes collected over the next several days.

1966 Porto Rocha Colheita
bottled in 2006 (I think, I'm having the bottle which I left in Kansas City checked)

Orange-brown in color, and rather dark. Bright and clear, though, with no clouds in sight.

The nose was distorted on the first night (no decanting) because the glass was a little musty from disuse in the cupboard. The bottle smelled normal, though, so I didn't worry about it. I washed my glass by hand each night and kept it separate, and the musty smell disappeared leaving a normal nose. I couldn't pick out anything notable... it just smelled like an old tawny.

There was a very slight impression of alcohol in the taste, but nothing obtrusive. It didn't even register has heat... just alcohol. That passed quickly, though, and was crushed by vibrant acidity. It reminded me very much of a Sandeman 20-yr old Tawny. Lots of citrus (primarily orange/tangerine with a little lemon zest thrown in for variety). Given time, some dried apricots appeared but even those were tangy instead of mellow. I also noted a hint of coffee.

The finish was really short, which surprised me, but also clean and smooth.

Over the next couple of days the acidity calmed down a little bit and the citrus flavors mellowed. By Saturday night (+3 days) it had reached a more enjoyable sipping state for me. Others here would no doubt love it, though, as the Sandeman 20-yr old impression never left. To me it is amazingly bright and vibrant for a Port that has been in wood for 40 years. I hope they kept a few pipas in reserve, because I get the impression that this will continue to improve in wood for another 40.

[Scott Anaya]

One of my favorite Colheitas.....especially since i scored 18 bottles for a complete song at auction ($20/btl) about five years ago or so. Still have one last bottle left!

[Glenn E.]

One of my favorite Colheitas.....especially since i scored 18 bottles for a complete song at auction ($20/btl) about five years ago or so. Still have one last bottle left!

Wow!!! That's an amazing price for this Port, Scott, well done!