The recent survey question about drinking Port persuaded me to dig one of these out of my cellar and open it. I'm very glad I did!
The color is a very deep and clear garnet, as opposed to the purple of a young Port. The aromas are very complex. Let's see, there's a roasted-spice aroma that reminds me of the early stages of roasting the dried masala spices for an Indian curry. Maybe some ginger, cardamom, and coriander? Lots of fruits, such as black cherries, and a touch of orange peel. Some smoky oak nuances, too. A magnificent mix of fragrances that you can get lost in.
Oh, yeah, you're supposed to taste this stuff, aren't you? Forgot that, for a moment, while inhaling the vapors.... An intense, explosive flavor of wild cherries, blackberries, plums, and other dark fruits cascades over the tongue. This is Port, so of course there's a lot of alcohol there, as well as a good measure of balanced sweetness. Again there's that acidic kick of orange peel, too--enough to keep the flavors alive and dancing.
It all culminates in a long, lingering, balanced finish.
Double Curly, with perhaps a touch of Moe that I think will Curly-out with a few more years' age.
An excellent vintage Port that's coasting up to its plateau of maturity.
-Paul W.
