For the March 2024 tasting of the Sammamish Port Club, we assembled a stunning lineup that showcased both the depth and breadth of Port styles—from youthful Vintage bottlings to rare aged Colheitas and a regal 40 Year Old Tawny. Highlights included the elegant 1937 Rocha Colheita, the richly layered S. Leonardo 40 Year Old Tawny, and the still-vibrant 2000 Graham’s Vintage Port. The evening invited lively discussion about structure, age, and evolution, with Ports spanning nearly seven decades of winemaking. As always, this tasting balanced education with enjoyment, reinforcing why Port’s diversity continues to captivate even seasoned enthusiasts.
1991 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port – Cloudy amber-brown in color, showing clear signs of maturity. The nose is complex, with layers of old wood, oxidation, and a mix of Christmas spices, milk chocolate, and subtle herbal tones. Light acidity adds some lift to the structure, though the wine has a dense, mouth-coating texture. The palate is both rich and delicate, with a soft, aged character. The finish fades gently giving this a slightly tired ending. 90 points. 3/16/2024
1996 Andresen Vintage Port – Deep, dark purple with slight transparency at the rim. The nose is packed with crushed black fruits and ripe dark cherries, accented by a touch of chocolate. The palate is beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins that integrate seamlessly into the structure. A plush, velvety mouthfeel slides into a smooth, almost “slurpy” character, making it exceptionally easy to drink. The finish is long and harmonious, with lingering dark fruit and chocolate notes. 92 points. 3/16/2024
2000 Graham’s Vintage Port – Nearly opaque, deep purple in color, with vibrant aromatics of dark berries, subtle spice, and hints of dried herbs and floral notes. The palate is structured and well-balanced, delivering concentrated dark fruit flavors with firm but integrated tannins. There’s a refined backbone of acidity that carries the richness through to a long, polished finish. Still youthful, with plenty of life ahead. 93 points. 3/16/2024
2003 Quinta do Noval Late Bottled Vintage Port – Unfiltered. Bottled in 2008. Bright ruby with a deep core. The nose bursts with fresh crushed red fruits, cassis, and hints of dried violets. The palate is full-bodied and structured, offering a luscious mix of dark cherries, blackberries, and firm yet approachable tannins. Acidity is well-balanced. The finish is long and layered, with dark fruit, cassis, and a touch of cocoa. 92 points. 3/16/2024
1964 Krohn Bronco Colheita Port – Bottled in 2007. Vibrant orange-straw in color. The nose is elegant and expressive, offering layers of dried apricot, toasted nuts, and white peach, with a faint touch of almond skin. The palate is silky and round, unfolding in waves of dried stone fruit, caramelized nuts, and a hint of citrus zest. The finish is beautifully balanced, with lingering nuttiness and honeyed sweetness. 92 points. 3/16/2024
S. Leonardo 40 Year Old Tawny Port – Bottled in 2011. Amber-hued with a slight haze from fine sediment. Ethereal and deeply layered aromatics of caramel, red fruit, aged wood, and a touch of dried citrus. The palate is velvety and incredibly refined, with a seamless balance of sweetness, acidity, and aged complexity. Notes of toffee, fig, and walnut unfold toward a long, warming finish with elegant acidity that keeps everything fresh and vibrant. 94 points. 3/16/2024
1937 Rocha Colheita Port – Bottled in 2007. Deep mahogany with caramel highlights. The nose is wonderfully mature, offering dark caramel, old polished wood, toasted nuts, and a dusting of cinnamon. The palate is balanced and lively despite its age, with a precise interplay of acidity and sweetness. Flavors of dried fruits, roasted nuts, and honey dominate, carrying through to a long, lingering finish where warm spices and nutty sweetness persist. 94 points. 3/16/2024
