WTN: Stanton and Killeen Rutherglen Vintage Port 1983

Mature deep ruby verging to brick red with ample rust in the outer edge. The nineteen per cent alcohol makes itself known immediately, prickling the inner walls of the nostrils. Typical volatile, sweet bouquet of prune, black cherries an plums, licorice with a hint of dill and dusty, tarry oak. The palate reiterates the nuance of the nose, relatively thick and spiritous in texture but saved by some very fine acidity, polished dry, integrated tannins and an impressive long finish. I quite enjoyed this wine although I doubt whether this will ever be better than very good and there's little reason in leaving it any longer. 87 points.

David, that's interesting! I love a drop of old Port, but I haven't tasted Aussie "Ports". What grape(s) is it from? I remember drinking a S & K (Liqueur?) Muscat NV which was rather fantastic, but I can't find my TN on it anymore.

Hi Otto,

Good question. There's no grape breakdown on the bottle, but I'll suggest to you it is most likely to be predominantly shiraz, although, Stanton and Killeen, and in particular Chris Killeen, winemaker since 1981, has a penchant for this wine style and has been using Portuguese grape varieties more and more over the years. So there could be a possible contribution from Touriga, Bastardo, Alvarelhao, etc (although I wouldn't bet my testicles on it! ) Chris might even use some Durif, as well.