2017 Quinta do Crasto Vintage Port
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Vintage Port is a field blend with 105 grams of sugar, a bit of an uptick over the 2016. This was originally seen unbottled, but it has had over six months in bottle now. When originally seen, this seemed a bit understated for a 2017. It still seems to be, at least on opening, but it is also showing better fruit and better support for the fruit, and as it airs out over several days, it becomes far more impressive after an insipid beginning. It adds a layer of depth to the 2015 LBV this issue and more intensity of flavor—it's quite delicious, and the concentrated fruit is more lifted. It will age better too. Today, the main differences are stylistic or due to the different methods of vinification. This, for one thing, is much younger. That said, when both have been open for three days, this finally begins to show its stuff and separate from the LBV more dramatically. Overall, you can't go wrong at the price. In fact, it's a nice bargain.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Mark Squires
More reviews and scores
Barrel sample. A field blend from some of their oldest vines (60+ years). Deepest crimson core with bright, narrow rim. Fragrance of pure dark fruit combined with a light/wild herbal note, becoming more floral in the glass. Extremely polished in texture, chalky and smooth, but still vibrant and a little wild in its fruit character. (JH)