Quinta do Noval Tasting Room
- NV Quinta do Noval Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2013)
Carmel notes on the nose. Full-bodied. Orange peel, bright acidity. Full mouthfeel and long finish. (92 pts.) - NV Quinta do Noval Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2013)
Some hints of eucalyptus on the subtle nose. Something seems lacking in this 20 Year Old Tawny. Medium body. Lacking some of traditional Tawny characteristics. (90 pts.) - 2008 Quinta do Noval Douro - Portugal, Douro (9/27/2013)
Subdued nose. Cassis and some hints of herbs. Intense and full-bodied. Some earthiness and a touch of astringency on the palate (87 pts.) - 2009 Quinta do Noval Cedro do Noval - Portugal, Douro, Vinho Regional Duriense (9/27/2013)
Typical Syrah nose. Intense red berries and touch of dustiness. Tart cherry and medium tannins. (89 pts.) - 2001 Quinta do Noval Porto Vintage Silval - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2013)
Some vegetative notes on the nose. Dark, concentrated purple color. Integrated dark plum. Medium bodied. Medium long finish. (89 pts.) - NV Quinta do Noval Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2013)
Dusty, leather nose. This is what I expect from a 40 Year Old Tawny Port. The nose was tight when the bottle was first opened, but with some time and air it really opened up. The flavor profile is dominated by caramel and orange peel, and the balanced acidity on the finish is impressive. (91 pts.)
- NV J.W. Burmester Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2013)
Orange peel and cedar on the nose. Crème Brulé and orange spices on the palate. Medium-long finish. (89 pts.)
- 1971 Dalva Porto Golden White Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2013)
Intense honeysuckle and some unresolved acidity. This is a pleasurable wine but pales in comparison to its 1952 Golden White and 1963 Golden White siblings. (93 pts.) - 1983 Krohn Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2013)
Red-brown in color with lighter edges. Hints of cola on the nose. Full-bodied and complex with a syrupy viscosity. Tropical notes and sweet caramel on the palate, but there is a hint of heat on the palate as well as on the finish. (89 pts.) - 1985 Dalva Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/27/2013)
Beautiful amber color. Some toffee notes on the nose. Intense, luscious mouthfeel with hints of cinnamon and caramel. Nice, luxurious finish. (90 pts.)
- NV Kopke Porto 10 Years Old White - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Matured in wood. Pale yellow-orange in color. Orange and sweet caramel on the luscious palate. Long, rich finish. (91 pts.) - NV Kopke Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Orange peel and vanilla bean on the nose. Vanilla bean also appears in the nice waves of velvety flavors on the mid-palette. Some spice on the finish. (90 pts.) - NV Kopke Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Allspice and orange peel on the nose. Carmel and toasted nuts on the palate. Very long finish. (88 pts.) - 1978 Kopke Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Clear, amber color. Tobacco and some coffee notes on the nose. Nice cinnamon and orange on the palate. Full bodied. This wine takes a couple of swallows to get through the mid-palate because it is so rich and luscious. (93 pts.)
- NV Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Taylor's Chip Dry - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Apple and pear on the palate. Some heat on the palate as well. (88 pts.)
- NV Offley Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Intense but clear ruby color. Caramel and tobacco on the nose. Very intense and full mouthfeel. Butterscotch and spices on the palate. Long finish with hints of orange spice. (91 pts.) - NV Offley Porto 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Dark amber in color. Leather and cigar box on the nose. Incredible mouth-puckering intensity of flavors on the mid-palate. Orange peel on the very long finish. (93 pts.)
- NV J.W. Burmester Porto White Porto - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Pale yellow in color. Medium body. Apples and a touch of citrus on the palate. Overall, an approachable basic White Port. (89 pts.) - NV J.W. Burmester Porto Jockey Club Tawny Reserve - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Strawberry and some spirit on the nose. Medium body. Red fruit and some acidity on the mid-palate. Medium finish. (89 pts.) - NV J.W. Burmester Porto Ruby - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Very dark ruby in color. Lots of primary dark fruit, but really nice structure. Balanced acidity and tannins. It is an approachable, drinkable basic Ruby Port. (89 pts.) - NV J.W. Burmester Porto Sotto Voce Reserve Porto - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/28/2013)
Dark violet with purple on the edges. Red fruits on the nose with some underlying fennel. Great tannins and structure. Full mouthfeel with raspberry and some tart cherry. (91 pts.)
- NV Ferreira Porto Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Surprising ruby color for a Tawny. I would not guess this was a Tawny. Red fruit. The acidity is there, but this is the only thing that says Tawny. (87 pts.) - 2008 Ferreira Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Dark purple in color with lighter edges. Violet notes on the nose. Intense primary fruit with well-structured tannins on the mid-palate and finish (89 pts.) - NV Ferreira Porto Ruby - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Bright red fruits on the nose. Tart cherry and a touch of black currant on the palate. Medium bodied. Medium-long finish with a touch of heat on the end of the finish. (90 pts.) - 1999 Ferreira Porto Vintage Quinta da Leda - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Medium purple in color. Blackberry and dark plum on the nose. Elegant structure, with intense fruit on the mid-palate. Plum and a touch of spirit on the long finish. (93 pts.) - NV Ferreira Porto Dona Antonia 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Wood notes on the nose. Classic orange peel and some cedar notes. Full-bodied, long finish. (89 pts.)
- NV Krohn Porto White Senador - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
5 Years Old. Tropical notes with caramelized pineapple and a touch of banana on the nose. Nice balance of sweetness and acidity. Medium long finish. Refreshing and a surprisingly good wine! (92 pts.) - NV Krohn Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Some coffee grounds on the nose. Chocolate notes on the palate. Full bodied, well-integrated. (91 pts.) - NV Krohn Porto Reserve Tawny Governador - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Dark amber in color. Cola and concentrated mocha on the palate. Intense mid-palate and long finish. (91 pts.) - 1995 Krohn Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Dark cola in color. Mocha and some subtle smokey notes on the palate. Good acidity and nice long finish. (91 pts.) - NV Krohn Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Medium brown in color. Intense mouthfeel. Full bodied. Mocha and cigar box on the palate. Long finish. (92 pts.) - 1987 Krohn Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Light brown in color. Wow. Great intensity of flavor. Wood notes, rich, finish of burnt caramel. (94 pts.) - NV Barros Porto 100th Anniversary Special Edition Very Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Average age of the blend is 65 years. Complex tobacco and mocha on the nose. Smooth, intense orange and caramel on the palate. Great acidity, rich, full mouthfeel. Very long finish. Just a touch of bitterness right at the very end of the finish. (95 pts.)
- NV Dalva Porto Dry White 10 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Bottled in 2011. 60 grams residual sugar. Pale straw yellow in color. Pear and some pineapple on the nose. Medium-bodied. Citrus notes on the palate with bright acidity. Has a little too much alcohol on the finish. (86 pts.) - 1985 Dalva Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Bottled in 2012. 27 years in cask. 115 grams residual sugar. Yellow-orange in color. Orange peel and crème brulee on the nose. Intense flavor. Saline notes, orange peel, bright acidity on the palate. Very long finish. (91 pts.) - 1971 Dalva Porto Golden White Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
500ml, bottles in 2012. Three years ago when visiting with the winemaker, he told me that they were thinking about doing a Golden White from the 1970's to complement the Golden Whites from 1952 and 1969. I mentioned that I hoped that it was 1971, since that is my birth year and there is very few 1971 Ports available. The winemaker said that if they chose 1971, he would give me two bottles. They were presented to me just before we tasting this wine. Beautiful honey notes on the nose. Beautiful tropical friut notes on the palate with a hint of spirit poking through. Full bodied. There is a sweetness on the mid-palate but the sweetness tails off and the acidity ramps up on the long finish. (94 pts.) - NV Dalva Porto Dry White 40 Years Old - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Bottled in 2013. This wine is scheduled to be released in a few weeks. Very pale yellow in color. There are lemon and citrus notes on the palate, and some alcohol is also present. Good acidity, with tangerines on the very long finish. (91 pts.) - 2011 Porto Cruz Porto Gran Cruz Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Dark purple in color. Dark plum and black cherry on the nose. Amazing intensity of flavor. Blackberry on the palate, and a very long finish. (90 pts.) - 1963 Dalva Porto Golden White Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Bottled in 2012. Golden honey color. Some light honey and caramel notes on the nose. Very intense flavors of honey and caramel on the palate as well. Complex mid-palate and very long finish. (96 pts.) - 2011 Dalva Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/29/2013)
Concentrated and tight fruits (black cherry and dark plum). Crazy young Vintage Port. Create structure and grippy tannins on the mid-palate. Nice long finish. (92 pts.)
- NV Graham Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Chilled wine, so nose was a little subdued. Amazing caramel and some light cigar box on the nose. Nice old wood and oxidized notes on the palate with bright acidity. (94 pts.) - 2000 Quinta de Roriz Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Dark opaque purple in color. Cassis on the nose. Chocolate and great balanced tannins on the full-bodied palate. Long finish. (90 pts.) - 1994 Quinta do Vesuvio Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Dark opaque purple in color. Intense floral and dark fruit notes. Great intensity with amazing structure and grip. Almost 20 years in, this is showing really well. (94 pts.) - 1985 Graham Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Very dark purple in color. Red fruits on the nose. Loads of mocha on the palate, with intensity and good structure. (96 pts.) - 1983 Smith Woodhouse Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Medium-dark purple in color. Red fruit on the palate. Still has some great sweetness and acidity. Most aromatic wine so far. There is just a touch of spirit on the nose. (93 pts.) - 1980 Gould Campbell Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Dark ruby color with lighter edges. Cherry and red fruits on the nose. Lovely bitter chocolate and red cassis on the palate. Long finish. (90 pts.) - 1970 Graham Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Paul Symington mentioned that he thought that this is one of the all all-time greatest Graham Ports. Some caramel notes on the nose but still some strawberry and red fruits as well. Incredibly full-bodied balanced, and refreshing. Very long finish (96 pts.) - 1966 Warre Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Reed, almost amber hue in color. Soft and round red fruits on the palate. Rich finish with very balanced fruit and acidity. (94 pts.) - 1963 Dow Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Light ruby with translucent clarity. Red fruits and some light herbal notes on the nose. Great intensity but superbly balanced on the palate, with red fruits and some chocolate notes. Very long finish. (96 pts.) - 1977 Dow Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (9/30/2013)
Bright garnet in color. Red fruit, plum and black tea on the nose. Full bodied with luscious cherry on the palate. Elegant, long finish. (92 pts.)
- 2012 Quinta do Vallado Moscatel Galego Branco Douro - Portugal, Douro (10/1/2013)
Citrus and pear on the nose. Vanilla and some hazelnut on this dry wine. Medium bodied. Medium finish. (86 pts.) - 2012 Quinta do Vallado Douro Reserva Branco - Portugal, Douro (10/1/2013)
Pale straw in color. Fresh citrus notes on the nose. Bright acidity. A touch of astringency on the palate. Medium finish. (85 pts.) - 2011 Quinta do Vallado Douro Vallado Tinto - Portugal, Douro (10/1/2013)
Ruby in color. Oak and red fruit on the nose. Dry in character. Firm tannins on the mid-palate. Medium-long finish. (87 pts.) - 2011 Quinta do Vallado Sousão Douro - Portugal, Douro (10/1/2013)
Extremely dark garnet in color (from the Sousão grapes). Red fruit and floral notes on the nose. Intense red fruit on the palate with good structure and acidity. (91 pts.) - 2011 Quinta do Vallado Touriga Nacional Douro - Portugal, Douro (10/1/2013)
Opaque dark purple in color. Violets and plum on the nose. Red fruit on the palate. Medium-long finish. This wine has a nice, elegant style (93 pts.) - NV Quinta do Vallado Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/1/2013)
Amber-brown in color. Expressive nose of caramel and nuts. Orange peel and burnt sugar on the palate. Nice long finish. (90 pts.) - 2011 Quinta do Vallado Porto Adelaide - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/1/2013)
Extremely dare purple in color. Dark fruit on the nose. Primary dark fruits on the palate. Well structured, with a long finish. (92 pts.)
- 2013 Quinta do Portal Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Bottled in 2010. Some herbal notes on the nose. Amber in color. Carmel and orange on the palate. Full-bodied, rich mouthfeel. Long finish. (91 pts.) - NV Quinta do Portal Porto 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Bottled in 2012. Light amber/orange in color. Some vegetative notes on the nose. Burnt sugar and orange peel on the palate. Some spice on the long finish. (87 pts.) - NV Quinta do Portal Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Medium-amber in color. Pronounced orange peel on the nose. Caramel and orange spice on the palate with hints on mocha on the long finish. (90 pts.) - NV Quinta do Portal Porto 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Bottled in 2012. Orange and cedar on the nose. Rich mouthfeel. Notes of orange and hints of almond on the palate. (89 pts.) - 2003 Quinta do Portal Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Bottled in 2007. Medium-dark ruby in color. Slightly cloudy appearance. Black plum and some anise on the nose. Dark fruit on the palate. A light touch of spirit and balanced tannins on the relatively short finish. (90 pts.) - 2000 Quinta do Portal Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Bottles in 2005. Red fruit with a hint of vanilla on the nose. Black cherry and all spice on the palate. Very long finish. (92 pts.) - 1994 Quinta do Portal Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Bottled in 1998. Light vegetative notes on the nose. Raspberry and red fruit on the palate. Rich mouthfeel. Good balance on the slightly oxidized, long finish. (89 pts.) - 2003 Quinta do Portal Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Very dark purple in color. Raspberry and pepper on the nose. Dark fruit and firm tannins on the palate. Grippy tannins on the long finish. (91 pts.) - 1999 Quinta do Portal Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Vibrant nose of raspberry and some cola. Great structure. Balanced red fruit and cola on the finish. Some nice rounded tannins. (94 pts.) - 1995 Quinta do Portal Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Chocolate note on the nose. Subdued red fruit on the palate. This is a balanced, elegant style with a little age showing on this wine. (92 pts.) - 2011 Quinta do Portal Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Black fruit and some anise on the nose. Intense, mouth-puckering tannins giving way to some nice blueberry and cassis on the palate. Long finish. (93 pts.) - 2001 Quinta do Portal Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Quinta do Portal does not plan to release this Colheita. Crazy powdered mocha on the nose. Full, concentrated flavors or burnt sugar, honey, and candied nuts. The acidity is amazing on this wine, and the intense flavor profile is beautiful. (95 pts.)
- NV Vieira de Sousa Porto White Porto - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Cask sample. More than 25 years old. White peach and tropical notes with some nice wood notes as well on the nose. Concentrated, complex flavors with nice acidity. (90 pts.) - NV Vieira de Sousa Porto Branco 10 Anos - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
White pepper on the nose. Some vanilla hints with cedar and orange peel. Pleasant drinker. (88 pts.) - NV Vieira de Sousa Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Intense notes of caramel on the nose. Concentrated crème brulee on the palate with some underlying spices. Long finish with nice acidity. (94 pts.) - NV Vieira de Sousa Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Some woody notes on the nose. Orange peel and some spices on the palate. Good balance and acidity on the medium-long finish. (90 pts.) - 2012 Espinhal de Cima Douro Branco - Portugal, Douro (10/2/2013)
Very pale yellow in color. Pear and some light citrus on the nose. Crisp, fresh acidity and tropical fruits on the palate. (90 pts.) - 2011 Espinhal de Cima Douro Tinto - Portugal, Douro (10/2/2013)
Bright red ruby in color. Bright red fruit on the nose. This wine lacks just a little bit of complexity, but it is fresh and pleasant to drink. (89 pts.) - 2011 Vieira de Sousa Douro Reserva - Portugal, Douro (10/2/2013)
Some oak and wood notes on the nose. There is some nice red fruit along with some oak and some noticeable tannins. (90 pts.) - 2011 Vieira de Sousa Douro Grande Escolha Quinta do Fojo - Portugal, Douro (10/2/2013)
Cask sample. Grapes are from Quinta do Fojo. Tight, intense red fruit and noticeable tannins. This one needs some time in the bottle. (91 pts.) - 2008 Vieira de Sousa Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Dark opaque purple in color. Subdued red fruit nose with strawberry and some raspberry. Grippy tannins on the palate with fresh crushed red and dark fruits. The tannins resolve beautifully on the finish. (94 pts.) - 2011 Vieira de Sousa Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
Inky dark purple. Blackberry dominates the nose. Tremendous, concentrated blueberry on the palate, but great balance. Tannins ramp up on the mid-palate, but cruise to a pleasant conclusion on the long finish. (93 pts.) - NV Vieira de Sousa Porto Very Very Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/2/2013)
This wine came from a cask whose oldest wine is from 1808, but whose average age is over 100 years old. The cask was last refreshed over 100 years ago. Darn brown in color. Cigar box and some hints of mocha. Maderized notes on the palate. Some salinity on the palate as well that fades to beautiful, complex orange peel flavors. This was a treat to try. (97 pts.)
- 1998 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage Quinta de Vargellas - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/3/2013)
Dark amber brown in color. Cola on the nose. Cola and cherry notes on the palate. Medium-long finish. Elegant. (94 pts.) - 2011 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage Vargellas - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/3/2013)
Dark purple in color with some light garnet on the edges. Cola on the nose with some light hints of Welches grape juice underneath. Still some primary flavors on the palate. Balanced fruit and acidity with a nice, long finish. (90 pts.) - 2004 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage Vargellas - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/3/2013)
Dark opaque purple. Raspberry on the palate. Bright red fruit with fine tannins and a long finish. (92 pts.) - 2005 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage Vargellas - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/3/2013)
Opaque purple. Concentrated violets on the nose great tannins and structure. (91 pts.) - 2009 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage Vargellas - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/3/2013)
Dark purple in color. Floral notes and some mint on the nose. Juicy, dark fruit on the palate, and nice balance on the long finish. (92 pts.)
- 2011 Bulas Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/3/2013)
Blue fruits and some blackberry on the nose. Very dark purple in color. Intense blueberry and dark plum on the palate. Tremendous, gripping tannins on the mid-palate and very long finish. (93 pts.) - NV Bulas Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/3/2013)
Orange-brown in color. Subtle orange spice on the nose. Great intensity of flavor on the palate. Rich with bright acidity and a more elegant flavor profile. Long finish. (94 pts.)
- 2010 Quinta de la Rosa Douro - Portugal, Douro (10/4/2013)
Dark, translucent ruby in color. Light cherry and some oak on the nose. Cherry and firm tannins on the mid-palate. A little drier flavor profile, especially on the finish. (91 pts.) - 1991 Quinta de la Rosa Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
ottled in 1995. Almost Tawny-like in color - amber with hints of brown. Light red fruit on the nose. Rich mouthfeel with balanced tannins and acidity. Strawberry notes on the palate, with some age/oak noticeable on the finish (reminiscent of Douro bake) (91 pts.) - 1994 Quinta de la Rosa Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 1998. Ruby in color. Almost opaque. Some wood notes and spirit on the nose. Elegant mouthfeel with strawberry and cherry. Some light hints of aging that I normally get from wines with Douro bake. (91 pts.) - 1995 Quinta de la Rosa Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 1999. Ruby with some brown notes. Some menthol notes on the nose. Cherry and a hint of cola on the palate. Medium-dry on the finish. (93 pts.) - 1997 Quinta de la Rosa Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
375ml. Bottled in 2002. Unfiltered (Traditional on the label meant unfiltered until 2005). Amber brown in color. Red fruit with some hints of wood on the nose. Tart cherry on the palate with a medium-long finish with just a touch of heat. (90 pts.) - 2009 Quinta de la Rosa Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Garnet in color. Almost opaque. Intense red fruits and tannins on the palate. Long finish. (89 pts.) - NV Quinta de la Rosa Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Burnt umber in color. Translucent. Subtle oak and orange on the nose. Very balanced. Fresh acidity. Hints of orange marmalade on the palate, along with some light spice. Very smooth and easy to drink. (89 pts.) - NV Quinta de la Rosa Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Orange-amber in color. Caramel on the nose with a hint of cedar. Beautiful Mandarin orange notes on the palate. Very balanced finish and easy to drink. (94 pts.) - 2011 Quinta de la Rosa Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Inky purple - very dark and opaque. Floral notes and dark fruit on the nose. Red fruit on the palate with pronounced tannins. Slightly drier in style. Approachable and drinkable. (92 pts.)
- 2003 Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Medium purple in color. Almost opaque. Fresh plum and some light herbal notes. Cherry and a touch of blackberry on the palate. Fresh acidity and nice tannins on the finish. (91 pts.) - 1999 Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Purple in color. Almost opaque. Some cherry notes and hints of violets on the nose. Balanced dark fruit and balanced tannins and acidity on the finish. (92 pts.) - 1999 Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 2008. Brownish-amber in color. Subdued nose of orange and a touch of caramel. Orange peel on the palate with bright acidity and a very long finish. (88 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 2013. Transparent amber-brown in color. Tight nose. Orange and some slight wood notes on the nose. Intense Mandarin orange on the palate, with bright acidity on the finish. (90 pts.) - 1995 Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 2008. Rich amber color. Transparent. Mandarin orange, dried nuts, and some light caramel notes on the nose. Orange peel on the approach. Rich, full bodied. Firm tannins and bright acidity on the mid-palate leading to a smooth, sweet finish. (91 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto 20 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 2012. Translucent light amber-brown in color. Cedar and some vanilla on the nose. Luscious orange, nuts, and spices on the palate. Long, rich finish. (93 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto 30 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 2012. Golden amber in color. Supposedly, there are white grapes in this Port. Caramel, spices, and nuts on the nose. Beautiful strawberry notes on the initial approach, followed by rich finish that shows hints of cola. (94 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto 40 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Bottled in 2013. This is really a century blend. The wines come from very old stocks - wines over 100 years old make up the backbone for this wine. Brick red in color, which is extremely surprising for an old 40 Year Old Tawny. Wood, hints of mocha, and leather on the nose. Crazy concentration with a rich, intense approach. Orange flavors on the approach give way to a beautiful mid-palate of cinnamon, spices, and espresso. The long finish introduces caramel and hints of butterscotch to the mélange. (96 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Special Reserve White - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
This wine hails from 1973, although it lacked the required paperwork to bottle it with the date on the label. Rich straw color. Hints of tropical fruit on the nose. Powerful, rich mouthfeel. Citrus and honey give way to firm tannins on the mid-palate.. Very long, rich finish with just a touch of bitterness on the very end of the finish. (93 pts.) - NV Casa de Sta. Eufemia Porto Very Very Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/4/2013)
Garrafão 7 - While touring the dusty old cellars at Casa Santa Eufemia, I spotted this bottle sitting on top of a glass demijohn bottle. It seemed clear that it was a sample bottle of the wine in the larger demijohn below it. I pointed this bottle out to Roy, whose eyes lit up when he saw it. Our host explained that the wine is an old wine that is used for blending into other wines to improve the quality. No paperwork survived to tell us exactly what age this wine is, but they let Roy taste a small sample right there in the cellar, and said that if he approved, we could all try it later at dinner. Roy took one sip and the expression on his face was disbelief. He paused for a very long time, then said out loud that he thought it was on par with the 1863 and the two 1896s from Krohn. When we got to try it later that evening and I wrote the following notes: The color is a dark, dark amber. As you swirl it, it has color like a dark, PX sherry. It has clearly been in demi-john for a very long time. Cola syrup and molasses on the nose. The acidity on this wine is razor sharp. It is like the acidity of a Sercial Maderia without all the dryness. There isn't any detectable Douro bake at all on this wine, even though it has been stored in the Baixo Corga. The winemaker said I use just 1% of this old wine in a 20 Year Old Tawny blend and it makes it a completely different wine. (98 pts.)
- NV Vinhos Oscar Quevedo Porto White Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/5/2013)
Cask sample. This wine comes from mostly two wines from 1992 and 1994 along with something from the late 1980s. Straw in color. Not a lot of nose yet. Tropical citrus fruits on the palate. Very rich mouthfeel. Very full bodied. Caramel and orange spices on the finish. (91 pts.) - 2010 Vinhos Oscar Quevedo Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/5/2013)
Cask sample. This will eventually be bottled as either a Late Bottled Vintage Port or a Colheita Port. Oscar is learning towards Colheita Port. Dark opaque purple in color. Dark fruits, some fresh herbs, and floral notes on nose. The tannins are rounded and extremely fine-grained. The mid-palate is a little disjointed right now but should balance out in time. (88 pts.) - 2003 Vinhos Oscar Quevedo Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/5/2013)
Dark purple with some garnet on the edges. Herbs and some spirit underneath a nose of dark fruit. Nice blackberry notes on the approach. Big tannins on the mid-palate. Some spirit on the finish. Overall, very nice structure. (90 pts.) - 1996 Vinhos Oscar Quevedo Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/5/2013)
Cask sample. Very dark amber in color. Cedar and some spice notes on the nose. Concentrated strawberry and red fruits on the palate. Full bodied. Some aging is starting to show. Cedar and orange peel on the long finish. (89 pts.) - 1994 Vinhos Oscar Quevedo Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/5/2013)
Cask sample. Brick red in color with amber bricking on the edges. Cigar box on the nose. Much darker in color than the 1996 Colheita we just tried. Some strawberry and red fruits on the palate. Long finish with more strawberries, red fruit, and freshness. (93 pts.) - 1992 Vinhos Oscar Quevedo Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/5/2013)
Cask sample. Dark amber in color. Cherry notes on the nose. Intense cherry on the palate as well. Great acidity and still has plenty of fruit. Long finish. (91 pts.) - 1970 Vinhos Oscar Quevedo Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/5/2013)
Pale yellow in color. I believe that this has some White Port in the blend. Full, crazy rich mouthfeel. Concentrated vanilla and cedar on the palate. Very long finish and great acidity. (94 pts.) - 1974 Vinhos Oscar Quevedo Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/5/2013)
Cask sample. Translucent medium brown in color. Rich caramel and red fruits on the nose. Full-bodied, rich mouthfeel. Orange marmalade on the palate with spices and great acidity. Very long, balanced finish. (93 pts.)
- NV Quinta Santa Eufêmia 20 years Old White Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/6/2013)
500ml. Bottled in 2013.Translucent, clear amber-orange in color. Mandarin orange on the nose. Mandarin orange also on the palate with nice, light acidity. Tannins grip the tongue lightly on the mid-palate, which leads to a long, well-balanced finish. (92 pts.)