This tasting was held on March 21, 2021 in Sammamish, Washington.
1966 Kopke Colheita Port – Bottled in 2015. Clear, amber-orange in color. Cinnamon powder, maple syrup, caramel, and loads of vanilla on the nose. Very smooth flavor profile with rich notes of orange spice and honey. Very long finish with a great balance of acidity and flavor. 95 points. 3/21/2021
1963 Niepoort Colheita Port – Bottled in 1986. Light golden-amber in color with clearing on the edges. Some cedar, herbal, strawberry, and red fruit notes on the nose. Elegant structure with very rich, well-integrated flavors of cherry and red fruit. Exceptionally balanced, long finish. 96 points. 3/21/2021
1967 Dalva Rui Paula Colheita Port – Clear, orange-amber in color. Light nose of pine resin and honey. Rich mouthfeel with a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity. Complex mid-palate with layers of flavor and a long, well-structured finish. 94 points. 3/21/2021
1952 Kopke Colheita Port – Bottled in 2011. Clear, brownish-amber in color. Oxidation and whiff of cardboard on the nose, although there is still some underlying fruit present. Some initial funkiness on the palate, giving way to a subtle, rich mouthfeel with cinnamon and orange spices. A little of the funkiness returns on the finish. Aside from the 1937 Kopke Colheita, I think this is normally one of the top Colheitas that Kopke produces, so it was a little disappointing that there was something off with this bottle. N/R 3/21/2021
1952 Dalva Golden White Port – Light orange-amber in color. Vanilla and some tropical fruits on the nose. Smooth flavor profile with caramelized pineapple and brown sugar. Rich texture and a great balance of acidity on the very long finish. 94 points. 3/21/2021
1960 Barbeito Boal Madeira – Golden tawny in color. Notes of oxidation, espresso powder, maple syrup, and a touch of orange spice underneath. Very nice, elegant mouthfeel with more of the espresso notes and lively acidity. Some interesting tropical fruit notes appearing on the long finish. 93 points. 3/21/2021
Rare Wine Co. (Vinhos Barbeito) Madeira Malvasia Special Reserve Manuela Barbeito Demijohns No. 22, 32, 33 & 90 – Tasting note pending.
