To kick off the New Year in proper fashion, the Sammamish Port Club gathered on January 20, 2024, for an evening of celebration and serious Port tasting. This lineup spanned multiple styles and decades, offering a rich mix of aged Tawnies, mature Vintage Ports, and a few surprises along the way. Highlights included a pair of beautifully balanced 40 Year Old Tawnies, a structured and fruit-driven 2000 Dow, and a curious, bubble gum-tinged showing from a 1977 Dalva. With bottles stretching from the 1970s to the early 2000s, it was a diverse and engaging start to another year of sharing good wine with good friends.
2000 Cockburn Quinta dos Canais Vintage Port – Dark amber-purple in color. The nose offers layers of chocolate, dark fruits, dried nuts, and subtle herbal notes. The entry is very sweet, reminiscent of sweet tarts, leading to flavors of red ripe fruit and balanced acidity. The sweetness lingers on the finish, slightly cloying, with hints of Concord grape, cherry, and a faint touch of spice adding depth. 90 points. 1/20/2024
2000 Dow Vintage Port – Dark purple-amber in color with garnet on the edges. The nose reveals dark fruits with dusty notes, subtle oak, and a hint of dried herbs. The palate is rich and structured, showcasing crushed dark fruit, blueberry, and cassis, with well-integrated tannins providing texture on the mid-palate. The finish is long and balanced, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, a touch of licorice. 92 points. 1/20/2024
1977 Dalva Vintage Port – 5-hour decant. This shows a very light amber color, almost Tawny-like in appearance. The nose reveals prominent alcohol, light red fruit with hints of strawberry, and a touch of date. On the palate, there’s a bubble gum-like sweetness on entry, followed by dried red fruits and notable acidity adding intensity. The finish shows slight medicinal notes and lingering heat. 89 points. 1/20/2024
1995 Souza Vintage Port – Dark in appearance with amber-brown hues and super-fine sediment. The nose is layered with Italian spices, including sage and rosemary, alongside subtle chocolate notes. The palate lacks chocolate but offers dusty dried fruits and well-structured tannins that carry through to the finish. 90 points. 1/20/2024
1995 Quinta Roriz Vintage Port – Decanted 3 hours. Dark purple hue with slight shades of brown. The nose reveals light dried fruit, while the palate is dry on entry, with tannins noticeable on the mid-palate. Flavors include bitter chocolate, sour cherry, and mocha coffee, complemented by well-integrated dry nuts. 91 points. 1/20/2024
DR 40 Year Old Tawny Port – Clear amber-orange color and aromas of dried fruits, caramel, orange spice, lemon zest, and vanilla. The palate features honey, cinnamon, and a touch of citrus zest, with a balanced acidity. The finish highlights caramel, oak, and subtle spice. 94 Points. 1/20/2024
DR 30 Year Old Tawny Port – Light amber hue with aromas of caramel, candied orange peel, and warm baking spices, complemented by hints of Graham cracker. The palate is rich and velvety, with notes of toffee, honey, dried apricot, toasted nuts. It has balanced acidity and a long finish that shows notes of caramel and some dried fruits. 94 Points. 1/20/2024
Quevedo 40 Year Old Tawny Port. TCA. N/R. 1/20/2024
1983 Krohn Colheita Port – Deep amber-brown in color with golden highlights. The nose is complex, revealing aromas of caramel, roasted nuts, dried figs, and a hint of orange zest. On the palate, flavors of toffee, honeyed dates, and candied citrus are balanced by vibrant acidity, creating a smooth and well-rounded profile. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of toasted almonds, spice, and a touch of vanilla. 92 points. 1/20/2024
As the evening wound down, we found ourselves reflecting not just on the wines, but on the shared moments that make these gatherings so special. Each bottle offered its own story—some surprising, some nostalgic, all worth opening. From the deep complexity of the aged Tawnies to the bold structure of the younger Vintage Ports, the night reminded us why we keep coming back to the glass. Here’s to another year of discovery, laughter, and unforgettable Ports.
