1970 Rebello Valente Vintage Port

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 12:50 pm

A small reward to myself for completing all the scheduling and choreography of the 29 Bonfire Night firework displays I'm arranging this weekend...

The older books list Robertson's Rebello V. as one of the great names - yet they are very thin on the ground on the auction circuit. Comments on this site suggest that their last wines (before Q. de la Rosa went solo in the mid eighties) were not impressive - but what about the '70 vintage?

I spied a five bottle lot at the same auction that I scored a bargain on the Sibio '60's - unfortunately though, so had someone else - so I had to bid to £150 to secure the lot.

Decanted a few minutes ago - from a totally opaque bottle, selected because it had a damaged capsule and slight signs of seepage.

Decanted cleanly, small amount of sediment.

Very nice colour in the decanter - looks rich and fully mature.

First sip.

No bottle stink, strong bouquet reminds me of Graham - rich, cooked fruit.

Little bit spiritous on the palate, not much fire. Could be drunk immediately, but I feel sure it will improve.

Very promising

More anon.

Tom

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 5:58 pm

Five hours on - a nightcap

In terms of looks and bouquet, this is up with the gods - as good as it gets...

Nice long tears, ruby going to clear meniscus, sparklingly fresh, rich mellow fruity bouquet...

Still a little spiritous on the palate - a touch light, but if the spirit goes, this will be a top scorer...

I look forward to re-visiting it tomorrow...

Tom

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:09 pm

Thanks for the notes Tom, as i've said before its great to read TN's about lesser talked about Ports.

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:42 pm

When I wrote my last note, I thought this wine was emerging as a candidate for a ten score - but unfortunately, it has not progressed further.

It is still a very fine player though. A tad sharp, and a tad light, but very civilised drinking - fully mature, and drinking very well.

Time for a score.

Better than the median? Certainly.

Top quartile? Yes..

..but the de-merits are too great to give it a nine or ten.

So my score for immediate gratification is 8.

Where's it going?

This wine seems to be a at it's best, or a little beyond. A point off for it's future prospect.

So my score is:

8-7

Tom