2003 Broadbent Vintage Port

[Glenn E.]

I was looking for something to drink and noticed that I had 7 of these. I can't remember why I would have bought an odd number like that, so figured I'd give one a try to see how they are developing. (Edit: apparently I bought 2 x 4-pack from Wines Til Sold Out a few years ago and drank 1 bottle back then to give it a try.)

2003 Broadbent VP

Color: Dark, opaque purple

Nose: Pure grape, blackberry, and purple brambles. Some aromatic alcohol. A very faint, almost meaty note.

Palate: Red bramble overtones on a very juicy, grapey, purple bramble foundation. Some black cherry. Firm, chalky tannins and good acidity, though the acidity is nearly overwhelmed by the juiciness. Very slight bitter edge.

Finish: Initially dry due to the tannins, but ultimately long and fairly juicy. The tannins hold firm throughout the finish.

Score: 92 points. This is an excellent Port and seems to be on a fairly normal quality trajectory. It doesn't feel like a 50-year Port, but I suspect it will be very nice at around 30. It also seems like a pretty significant quality improvement over the 1994 and 1997, both of which can have VA issues.

[Roy Hersh]

Although the 2000 Broadbent was my favorite of the first 5 VPs produced by Broadbent which began with 1994, the 2003 was very solid too. I've not had it in quite a long time though. Glad to read your note Glenn.