1987 Martinez Vintage Port

[Glenn E.]

Tasted at Roy's on 3/14/2010.

1987 Martinez Vintage Port

Color: Dark brick with a ruby-pink rim.
Nose: Old grapes, dust, alcohol, and mint M&Ms. Some vague dark berry notes, but nothing that I can identify.
Palate: Softly sweet and softly purple. Blueberry without the expressive high note that makes it definitively blue. There doesn't seem to be anything tart or anything red at all, which makes for a rather strange flavor. Tannins are only decent. Acidity is fairly mild.
Finish: Very nice, though missing warmth. Good length, with some grape skin showing at the very tail end.

I was really hoping for better as 1987 is my anniversary year, but sadly there's not a lot here. It's not unpleasant in any way, but it's just kind of there. It doesn't really make a statement or grab your attention. I doubt it could stand up to food, but served on its own as dessert it might be a pleasant end to an evening. 87 points.

[Roy Hersh]

A strange brew!