2007 Kapcsandy Vino del Sol "State Lane Vineyard" port

[Andy Velebil]

This was the first vintage of this and is made from 100% Merlot grapes from the Kapcsandy Family Vineyard in Napa. It was picked at about 25 brix, fermented to about 10% ABV then fortified with brandy to reach about 18.1% ABV.

The color is similar to a basic tawny, a light ruby red. Very floral on the nose with lots of violets and raspberries. Oddly the palate has some peaches, which is not what I was expecting at all. Yet there is lots of chocolate, lingonberries, and some light and well integrated tannins. Many of these "ports" tend to come off very cloying,yet this one doesn't. It is nicely balanced with good acidity, allowing the fruit to shine. A long finish full of peaches and red fruit rounds out a nice bottle. The back label says this will age "2010 - 2040", while nice it doesn't have the tannins to support that long of aging. I'd say the next 8-10 years would probably be best. 88 points.
08/23/09