2001 Graham's Crusted Port -- Bottled 2001

[Otto Nieminen]

Graham's Crusted Port Bottled 2001; 20% abv; 110g/l sugar; 4g/l acidity; 23,50€/750ml

In some ways this was a tragic Christmas. I had a Graham's 1966 and 1970 waiting (Grahams seems very well represented in our Monopoly - I wonder why the other houses aren't?) for my winter holidays. Sadly I had a cellar accident and had several bottles crushed, including both of those VPs. So I made a last minute trip to Alko to buy a much cheaper replacement (I didn't have much money left having bought those ill fated bottles, lol!).

I have liked this Crusted before (though it isn't a real replacement for such gems as the '70 was - I haven't tasted the '66 ever); and it did bring much pleasure now as well. Upon opening it was very full bodied and fruity, not much like the Graham's style of VP in that it was very dark toned in fruit whereas the VP has always seemed very red and strawberried to me. But it was plump and sweet. Decanted half a day it really became more harmonious. It still was a darker wine in fruit tones that I am accustomed to with Graham's but it wasn't just fruit and sugar anymore; it gained some savoury, earthy, herbal/tobacco aromas. Despite the pain of losing two great bottles, I do think even this more humble bottle brought great pleasure to our Christmas table.

I hope all the rest of this forum also had a pleasing Christmas!

-Otto

[Roy Hersh]

Otto,

What a wonderful description, I could swear I was sitting next to you drinking the same bottle. That is the highest compliment I can pay a tasting note. Great job and thanks for posting it here!

I hope your Christmas was wonderful too. :hello:

[Andy Velebil]

Otto,
NIce TN and what a coincident that I also had a Crusted on Saturday, albeit the 2000 Dow's Crusted. Generally I like these better than most LBV's for the money, as they are more VP like.

[Todd Pettinger]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident Otto and glad this Crusted lived up to the job of replacing such gems as the 66/70 Graham's. Sadly, we don't see very many Crusted Ports here in Canada but when I have tried two in the past they have both brought me great pleasure as this bottle did for you.

Todd