TN: 1988 Colheita Port

[Al B.]

Decant: Not Known - A glowing mahogany in colour - brown with hints of red. Nose of coffee and burnt sugar or molasses, alcohol clearly evident. Surprisingly dry entry, an initial impact of stewed redcurrants with a massive streak of acidity that really makes the mouth water. Good mid-palate development with strawberry syrup and treacle coming through. The wine thickens up surprisingly in the mouth until you swallow. When you do, the acidity of the wine keeps making your mouth water for a long time. The aftertaste is not strong, but the sensations of burnt sugar and over-sweet orange stay with you a long time at a modest level. This is a wine which I enjoyed as a rare venture away from my normal favourite vintage style but which has not convinced me to switch allegiance (I prefer the occasional 1988 VP that I have drunk). I won't give a Tom rating as I don't drink enough colheita style ports to be able to compare it to its peers, but I will award this 86/100. 86 points