I had the good fortune of being able to join in on an evening tasting and dinner that focused on some Colheita cask samples from Quinta de Devesa, and a stellar release from relative newcomer, Blackett.
Quinta da Devesa
1976 Quinta de Devesa Colheita Port – Cask sample, unfiltered. Amber-red in color. Orange spice and caramel on the nose. Lush mouthfeel with nuts, caramel, and a touch a salinity on the mid-palate. A long, rich finish. 92 points. 4/12/2019
1970 Quinta de Devesa Colheita Port – Cask sample, unfiltered. Caramel and cedar on the nose. The rich mouthfeel shows some spirit and noticeable acidity on the mid-palate. Roasted nuts, burnt sugar, and a touch of cinnamon on the palate give way to well-balanced tannins and acidity on the long finish. 94 points. 4/12/2019
1969 Quinta de Devesa Colheita Port – Cask sample, unfiltered. Slightly subdued nose. However, the light caramel and rich honey on the palate come in waves. There is a nice touch of orange spice on the finish, with good balance and acidity. 96 points. 4/12/2019
1944 Quinta de Devesa Colheita Port – Cask sample, unfiltered. Dark brown in color. Complex nose of grape nehi and some spirit. Hints of cola and cocoa powder on the intense, lush mid-palate. Full-bodied. Pronounced acidity and some saline notes on the finish. 94 points. 4/12/2019
Blackett
The Blackett brand was launched around 2014 (a youngest by Port Wine standards), and has already produced an admirable range of Ports. Like many other Port producers have recently done, Blackett is producing a Very Old Port – a Colheita Port either “found hidden” in their cellars or (more likely), purchased from old stocks from another producer or family. I do not know the specifics yet around this wine, but it was a pleasure to have a small sample from the test tube sent out to journalists to taste and score.
Blackett Very Old Tawny Port – Cask sample. Dark black tea in color, with a tinge of green on the edge. Wonderful notes of dusty old teak and varnish – it almost smells like an antique furniture shop. There is molasses and dark chocolate on the palate, as well as notes of sweet figs and dates. The very full body coats the mouth and accentuates the complexity of this wine. Flavors continue to roll through the very long finish, making this a really exceptional wine. 97 points. 4/12/2019
Dinner Wines
Additional wines with dinner (no tasting notes):
2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc
2001 Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional Douro Red
1979 Corney and Barrow Late Bottled Vintage Port
