TN: Ficklin 1991 Vintage

[Eric Ifune]

This is a well known bottling, one of the better California port-styled wines. I remember it getting quite a bit of press and winning many awards when first released. I haven't had it in some time, but Ficklin has rereleased this a couple of months ago. One nice thing about Ficklin, they'll hold back a substantial amount and will rerelease them periodically.
This bottle, no. B12972, was bottled May 1994.
Decanted, not a whole lot of sediment. Very youthful, dark, opaque, reddish purple. Aromas of plums, asphalt, sultanas. Still youthful on the palate. Some tannins, good acidity. Primary fruits. A roasted character which I associate with Ficklin's Madera (the town in which they are located) fruit. Nice finish. Definitely from Portuguese varieties, but definitely not from the Douro. Not the depth or concentration of a first rate real Vintage Port, but probably on the level of a good SVQ Port.
Might have been nice to have this with Roy's 1991 retrospective last year.

[Roy Hersh]

I've had lots of the 1991 Ficklin over the years and also their 10 year old Tawny. Both are really well made and delish. Ficklin "gets it" and is one of the top 2-3 producers of port-style wines in America.