I've stubled across a danish wine dealer having some Vista Alegre VP and LBV's and from what I can read from your tasting notes in the database, Vista Alegre is a port to buy.
Now, the VP's -of course- is a bit more expensive, than the LBV's, who seem to be getting quite a good review
I have the choice of LBV's from 97, 99, 02 and 03...
These I should also be able to store up to a decade, or?
Which ones of these do I buy? so far I figured I'd go with 2 of each from 97, 99 and 02 based on your tasting notes, although none exist for the 97'
The price ranges from 25-28$/16-18£/18-21eur on all the bottlings
It's not a Port that is commonly found in the States so there probably isn't many of our members that have had it. That's is a shame as they do make some very nice Ports, especially the newer vintages of LBV's and aged tawny's which are generally worth seeking out (the 30 year old Tawny is killer good). I'd recommend grabbing a bottle of whatever you can find, trying it out right away, then if you like it go back and buy more.
It's not a Port that is commonly found in the States so there probably isn't many of our members that have had it.
Thanks, Andy I kinda had it figured that it wasn't available in the US, since one of the tasting notes talks about bringing some home from his next trip to Portugal.
Had maybe hoped for that some of the people who left tasting notes could have elaborated a little on their experiences, maybe adding something extra that had come to mind since they tried the wine.
Andy Velebil wrote:
That's is a shame as they do make some very nice Ports, especially the newer vintages of LBV's and aged tawny's which are generally worth seeking out (the 30 year old Tawny is killer good). I'd recommend grabbing a bottle of whatever you can find, trying it out right away, then if you like it go back and buy more.
I've just grabbed 8 LBV's from 4 different years One for drinking, one for saving...I'll put notes up, as I crack them open
I got 2 x LBV's from 99', 02', 03', 04'
I'll have a look at their Tawny's another time Thanks again...
Sorry I didn't see this earlier. Vista Alegre is easiliy available in the Netherlands, and I've tried a fair share of their ports. I would say they are usually good middle of the road ports. Not outstanding, but also not very expensive, so decent value for money. I also drank many of their LBV's. In my opinion they are good to drink when they are young, but they don't age well. The older examples that I tried (the oldest being 1995) had completely fallen apart. It will be interesting to see how you like the different years.
I agree the 30YOT is very good.
Cheers,
Ronald
But enough about me, what do YOU think of me? -- Johnny Bravo
Hi Claus,
I'm a big fan of the Vista Alegre LBVs. The 1999 was really outstanding the last time I had it. These are LBVs that age quite well. I wish these were available in the USA. I'm jealous that you were able to get these!
-Dave-
...I also drank many of their LBV's. In my opinion they are good to drink when they are young, but they don't age well. The older examples that I tried (the oldest being 1995) had completely fallen apart. It will be interesting to see how you like the different years.
Cheers,
Ronald
David Spriggs wrote:Hi Claus,
I'm a big fan of the Vista Alegre LBVs. The 1999 was really outstanding the last time I had it. These are LBVs that age quite well. I wish these were available in the USA. I'm jealous that you were able to get these!
-Dave-
Hi guys, thanks for commenting
Seems like you guys doesn't completely agree on how well the Vista Allegre LBV's age...
Anyway, been kinda busy lately starting up the 2011 season in the whisky club, so haven't had much time to delve into ports lately - only had the 04' so far, but didn't get around to take proper notes on it, but I quite liked it - so off the hips, I'll score it at 86p...
Think this weekend might bring me to open a 99'
...if I get around to it, I'll -of course- pass on my notes...
Sorry, I did not get back here until yesterday ... very focused on getting the newsletter out. Here are a few of my TNs on the Vista Alegre LBVs, I hope it helps you Claus:
1988 Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
This is their oldest bottling and a Traditional style of LBV, bottled in 1994, which basically means that it was not filtered and needs decanting. Cranberry in color with a pink meniscus, it offers floral and anise notes and a touch of spirit. The medium-body weight played well with a very smooth initial approach. Offering plum and red fruits it is a very tasty LBV and a nice way to begin our exploration into the Alegre Ports. The finish was exceptionally long and showed a touch of heat.
90 Points (2005-10-28)
1988 Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
Light ruby color, strawberry and earthy plum notes emerge with mouth-filling viscous waves of flavor. High-toned alcohol on the smooth finish detracts from an overall very good effort.
88 Points (2002-02-05)
1994 Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
Garnet colored, intriguing aromatics of grandmas berry pie with gentle strawberry and raspberry flavors. Somewhat thin with mild-mannered tannins and way too much alcohol on the finish for me to really enjoy this LBV.
83 Points (2002-02-05)
1995 Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
It's another Traditional bottling of LBV which took place in 2000. The color is a very dark ruby red and fully opaque Port, with spicy Touriga Nacional dominating here with cassis and mocha aromatics. This is one of the more memorable LBVs I have had on the trip and shows both balance and outstanding textural pleasure. Although it is medium bodied, the smooth mouthfeel and nearly perfect aftertaste make this an extraordinary find. Great overall symmetry! 5,000 cases produced.
92 Points (2005-10-28)
1999 Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
Considerably smaller production with only 900 cases produced. Opaque ruby-purplish hue. Cranberry, grenadine syrup and a chocolate note round off the nose. This is far less refined than the '95 and a bit rustic if not coarse. There is an herbaceous note here that was intriguing but not altogether pleasant, yet the blackberry fruit and ultra-long finish made up for it.
88 Points (2005-10-28)
2000 Vallegre Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
Although the youngest of the troika of LBVs we were offered (2001/2002) this was by far the darkest in color a fully opaque purplish-black hue of deep extraction. Lush notes of cranberry and pomegranate with a hint of licorice, I really loved the nose on this Traditional LBV. Medium body and soft texturally, this is a well constructed LBV with upside potential. Black raspberry and blackcurrant flavors are tasty and so smooth in the mouth, with powerful dusty tannins and the only downside, a modest length to the finish. Otherwise, this was a real head turner. As with the other two LBVs, this unfortunately was opened in front of us and had no time to open up. Drink now or enjoy over the next decade. I'd love to try this again with 3-4 hours of time spent in the decanter, as I can tell this would have been significantly better.
90 Points (2007-10-05)
2001 Vallegre Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
All Vista Alegre LBV bottling are unfiltered and have a similar profile. The color was identical to the 2002, with maybe a drop more ruby than purple here. This is even tighter on the nose, with red berry that hints at cherry. Rustic and a good dose of alcohol shows through here as well, a bit more so than the 2002 which I liked better. This should have been opened hours ago, as it is reticent and unforgiving at the moment. Blueberry flavor dominates the palate but the astringent tannins are by no means shy either. Drink now or cellar to 2018.
89 Points (2007-10-05)
2002 Vallegre Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
Bottled unfiltered in 2006. Purplish-ruby color and extremely dark. Powerful aromas of blueberry, mocha and raspberries were immediately accessible. Medium-bodied and the acidity really shone through and held some of the sweet boysenberry and blueberry flavors in check. The tannins were ripe and showed their prominence on the palate, along with a gentle alcoholic aftertaste that was not obtrusive, albeit noticeable ... but to be fair, this bottle was opened in our presence and had no time to breathe. A medium length finish prevailed and overall this was quite enjoyable. It should drink well through 2015.
91 Points (2007-10-05)
2002 Vista Alegre LBV Port [$ Find on Wine-Searcher.com $]
Unfiltered. Dark magenta with full opacity. Floral fragrances and pure plum notes entice the nose with a very mild sense of anise. Soft and very full-bodied after a rather long decant during which the alcohol fully integrated. Smooth in the mouth and only a mild tannic influence, this is very easy to drink now and will continue to improve from here. Plum and dark cherry berry fruit that offers a solid mid-length finish. Drink now through 2016.
If you haven't looked at it, I wanted to point out that the FTLOP Tasting Note Database is a great resource for checking out various wine and their progression. http://www.fortheloveofport.com/tndb/se ... alegre_LBV
The 1999 LBV is a great example. I tasted that wine with Roy and agreed at the time that it was a bit herbaceous, but my tasting note 3 years later showed that it had resolved. This showed me that these LBVs can grow and mature given some time.
If you haven't looked at it, I wanted to point out that the FTLOP Tasting Note Database is a great resource for checking out various wine and their progression. http://www.fortheloveofport.com/tndb/se ... alegre_LBV
The 1999 LBV is a great example. I tasted that wine with Roy and agreed at the time that it was a bit herbaceous, but my tasting note 3 years later showed that it had resolved. This showed me that these LBVs can grow and mature given some time.
Hi David,
It was actually notes from the tasting database that kinda lead me onto the Vista Allegre LBV's.
I actually opened a 1999 this weekend, but haven't gotten around to posting and let the impressions settle yet, although I ofcourse have a few notes on paper... Will get around to it, eventually
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