2003 Quinta do Ventozelo LBV Port

[John M.]

From a 375mm bottle; driven cork, almost no sediment on the decant--I've never had a Venotzelo before and had never seen it in stores so I just had to try this. Deep magenta to violet color. The nose has a peppery tang to it with just a hint of musty plums (but pleasant). Upon tasting the wine retains the pepper quality but no fresh fruit so often found in LBVs--very tannic with a puckery aftertaste. A bit one dimensional, but good to drink.

Decanted for 24 hours--I tasted again on days 2 and 3 hoping the tannic qualities would tone down, which they did not. I rather felt the port did not change all that much day to day. If I had more of this, I'd keep it cellared a few more years just to see if it tones down.

89 points.