Tasting Note:
- Appearance: Deep, inky purple with a vibrant magenta rim. The wine is viscous and clings to the glass, hinting at its concentration and richness.
- Aroma: Intense and layered, bursting with aromas of ripe black fruits like cassis, blackberry, and plum. These are intertwined with floral notes of violets and lavender, followed by hints of dark chocolate, spice, and a touch of balsamic. The aroma is still youthful and primary, but hints of complex tertiary notes are beginning to emerge, promising great aging potential.
- Palate: The first sip explodes with power and richness. The tannins are firm and grippy, providing a solid structure for the concentrated fruit flavors. Blackberries, plums, and dark cherries dance on the palate, joined by notes of black pepper, licorice, and a touch of mocha. The acidity is lively and cuts through the richness, providing balance and freshness. The finish is long and lingering, leaving behind a symphony of fruit, spice, and oak that slowly fades.
Overall, This is a stunningly impressive vintage port from Graham’s. It is young and powerful, but already shows glimpses of its future greatness. The concentration of fruit, firm tannins, and lively acidity suggest a port that will age gracefully for decades to come. With time, the primary fruit flavors will evolve, giving way to complex tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit. This is a port for patient collectors who will be rewarded with a truly exceptional drinking experience.
Food Pairing:
Desserts:
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Chocolate Cake: The rich, dark chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the concentrated fruit flavors and firm tannins of the port. The sweetness of the cake complements the port’s fruitiness, while the tannins help to cut through the richness. Look for cakes with dark chocolate ganache or chocolate mousse fillings for an even more decadent pairing.
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Blue Cheese: The pungent and salty blue cheese is a classic match for vintage port. The cheese’s strong flavors stand up to the port’s power, while the sweetness of the port helps to balance out the cheese’s intensity. Try pairing it with Roquefort, Stilton, or Gorgonzola for an unforgettable experience.
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Aged Cheddar: Similar to blue cheese, aged cheddar offers a sharp and salty counterpoint to the port’s fruitiness. The complex flavors of the cheese, such as nutty and caramel notes, complement the port’s developing tertiary notes. Look for aged cheddar with crystals for an extra depth of flavor.
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Fruit Crumble: The warm and comforting fruit crumble provides a delightful contrast to the port’s cool temperature. The tartness of the fruit, such as berries or apples, cuts through the port’s richness, while the crumble’s buttery topping adds a touch of creaminess.
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Honeycomb Ice Cream: The sweet and floral honeycomb ice cream is a playful and unexpected pairing for the port. The honeycomb’s sweetness mirrors the port’s fruitiness, while the ice cream’s coldness provides a refreshing contrast. It’s a perfect choice for a lighter dessert option.
Cheese and Savory Options:
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Roasted Quail with Fig Sauce: The savory gamey flavors of the quail pair well with the port’s complexity. The fig sauce adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, complementing the port’s fruit notes. This pairing is ideal for a sophisticated appetizer or light dinner.
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Grilled Ribeye Steak with Blue Cheese Butter: The richness of the ribeye steak stands up to the port’s power, while the blue cheese butter adds a touch of saltiness and pungency. The port’s tannins help to cut through the fat of the steak, making each bite perfectly balanced.
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Mature Portobello Mushrooms with Goat Cheese: The earthy and umami flavors of the portobello mushrooms complement the port’s fruitiness and spice. The goat cheese adds a touch of tanginess, while the portobello’s texture provides a satisfying contrast to the port’s smoothness. This vegetarian option is both delicious and sophisticated.
- Avg Price (ex-tax)
- $292 / 750ml
Graham’s wines combine the best of tradition with innovation in our pursuit of excellence. Using sustainable and minimal-intervention methods wherever possible, we strive to produce the finest expressions of our estates using indigenous grape varieties.
https://www.grahams-port.com/wine/graham-s-vintage-port/24
Scores:
96 Points, Wine Spectator, 2023
94 Points, James Suckling, 2023
94 Points, Wine Advocate, 2022
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