Rather strange that on my first media trip to Porto in 2014 to sample Ports throughout the Douro region on the bus for the first of five intense days of sampling my seatmate, a French advertising executive, said to me, “Port is an affordable luxury”. It is a statement that has stuck me as to both its veracity and simplicity.
Red Port is massively flavourful with a range of styles and flavour profiles. Ranging from prohibitively expensive to affordable. In twelve years I have not had an “off Port”. Having toured the quality control laboratory at the IVDP, the regulatory body that ensures quality control of Port, all Ports are analyzed and tested before their release.
Now is not the time to elaborate on the 1867 and 1932 Ports I have tried other than saying the 1867 still had life in it and could sail off in the distance for years!
Back to the Croft Port. A blackish red beauty?
Aroma: Creamy. Blackberry. Cassis. Chocolate covered raisins. Santa Rosa Plums.
Palate: Massive and far from timid it represents an “Attack of the Black Fruit”. Firm. Quite a tough baby now struggling for toddlerhood and for a full-grown adult look to 2040. Enormously long finish.
Food: Go conservative blue cheese and chocolate-based desserts. But pair this with rare grilled Portuguese Ox you may not ever want to leave Portugal. For vegetarians pair with a rich pasta sauce with a San Marzano tomato foundation e.g. Pasta a la Norma.
Price: $33CDN. 350 mL.
Comments from the Peanut Gallery: Drinkable now indeed. Give it five more years to show its entirely luxurious side. At this price affordable and a luxurious taste experience. You are paying Ryanair prices for TAP Air Portugal business class!
RKS PORTHEAD ALERT RATING: 95/100. Kim Marcus Wine Spectator 95.
(Croft 2012 Quinta da Roeda Vintage Port)
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