1997 Calem Vintage Port

[Lamont Huxley]

Fairly dark colored port - eggplant purple at the center becoming a bright burgundy toward the rim. The nose has a warm, roasty quality to it with prominent scents of raspberries, blueberries, and grape jelly. Sweet fruit on the palate - lots of raspberry and blueberry coming across strongly again; there's an almost candied quality to it, with subtle hints of tar and a dash of pepper. Medium bodied with mild tannins and a mid-range length of finish w/ a touch of a medicinal edge to it - well balanced and very tasty. Doesn't have the heavyweight structure for long aging, but a straightforwardly enjoyable port that will probably be at it's best in the shorter term. 88 pts, Tasted 4/08