Vista Alegre

[Leo K.]

The Vista Alegre 30 and 40 year old Tawny are shortly to be released in state controlled liquor store in Sweden. I’ve never heard of them before, all information would be greatly appreciated.

[Andy Velebil]

Kress,
I've had the over 40 year old before, last October on the Harvest Tour. It was the last bottle we drank of the whole trip, so my TN was not super long as even I was getting tired. But from my note I did enjoy it and gave it 93 points, for what its worth.

If its a good price, then I'd say go ahead and grab one.

[Roy Hersh]

Kress,

Please see my email. Thanks!

Also, please forgive me that these are not the most current tasting notes, but they are quite accurate. Good news for Andy, is he is going to get to visit this hidden gem in October.

Vista Alegre 30 Year Old Tawny Port – I was surprised to find a touch of ruby color in this otherwise tawny colored Port. Exotic essence of maple syrup, citrus peel and laden with spice that is followed by a drop of spirit on the nose. Full-bodied and elegant this is a sinfully dense, velvety and viscous glass of toffee, flan and caramel. Sound decadent? This bottle was grabbed off of the active bottling line right in front of us. Lots of finesse here, wow, a complete and utterly fabulous 30 year old bottling! The complex finish is indescribable and more akin to a mind blowing Terrantez. 94 points (2005 10 28)

Vista Alegre Over 40 year old Tawny Port - A fine example of a really well made 40 year old Tawny. Light bodied and elegant in style, but well poised due to the ample acidity level. There is a citrus edge, caramel and pralines that really stand out on the palate. Delicious and focused with a really wonderful texture that rivaled the multi-layered flavors. The finish was complex and there was an intriguing espresso bean and citrus peel dynamic on the aftertaste. Drink 2007-2015.
93 points (2006 10 07)

[Leo K.]

If its a good price, then I'd say go ahead and grab one.

40 years 375 ml = 42 eur
30 years 375 ml = 31 eur

Expensive?

[Gary Banker]

Andy,

When you go to Vista Alegre, ask about (better yet, taste) the 1985 White Tawny Port that was mentioned in "Wine Report 2007". That is the only time I have seen that particular wine described.

Gary

[Andy Velebil]

Gary,
We did have an older white Port also. I'm at work so dont have my notes, but IIRC it was a white that was held in oak for around 25ish years before bottling, so it may be the same one you're talking about. I'll check when i get home.

[Otto Nieminen]

The Vista Alegre 30 and 40 year old Tawny are shortly to be released in state controlled liquor store in Sweden. I’ve never heard of them before, all information would be greatly appreciated.

Leo, I must pile up praise on these wines also. I tasted them on 16.11.2006 with the 10 and 20 YOs also. Just to give brief impressions since better notes have been posted: the 10YO was nice and complex for its age - actually it seemed older than the age on the label.

The 20 YO was my least favourite since it seemed very woody.

The 30YO was lovely! It was more fresh smelling than the 20YO, more elegant, more fruity with some very lovable citrussy notes. I really loved this.

I also loved the 40YO. It was a very different wine from the 30YO with a more savoury profile, showing lots of age, but it wasn't overly woody. It was very elegant and even restrained; understated rather than showy. If the 30YO seemed to me to be a fruit forward wine, this is all about aged characteristics. I loved both. If you have the 10YO available, don't sneer at it as it is an uncommonly lovable 10YO.

If you decide to buy them (and at those prices I certainly would), I hope you report back how you like them! In fact maybe I should come to Sweden to buy a few for myself also...

-Otto-

[Andy Velebil]

Andy,

When you go to Vista Alegre, ask about (better yet, taste) the 1985 White Tawny Port that was mentioned in "Wine Report 2007". That is the only time I have seen that particular wine described.

Gary

Gary,

Just checked the notes and it was a "old White Port" Aged for 25 years in cask and bottled in 2006. I must say it was a stellar wine. I gave it 94/95 points.

[Roy Hersh]

Andy,

I have only had it twice, once with you. It is a very delicious wine and it is as good as most of the really fine white Colheitas out there. You're really gonna like this property's location, the steep vineyards, wild jeep ride and some special stuff that will be broken out for us.