1998 Chateau Reynella Vintage Port

Vintage Port has lost much of its popularity amongst winemakers, probably because to make a great Vintage Port you need grapes that could also make a sensational dry red table wine, which is much easier to sell. However, another less tangible cause for the decline of this wonderful drink is a misguided marketing campaign that has convinced Australian wine lovers to finish the bottle in one sitting, lest the port go off as a story told by Don McWilliam of McWilliam's Wines testifies. Don, on one of his regular wine tours, was in the Barossa Valley, where he met Peter Lehmann who invited him back that evening for a game of cards and a drop of Vintage Port. Peter invited another mate, then produced the Vintage Port - in fact 2 gallons of the stuff - opened the flagon and promptly tossed the cork in the fireplace. As the story is told, the port was indeed consumed in one sitting. Don McWilliam remained over .05 for three days and has never touched Vintage Port again!

Totally opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue, showing excellent cling to the glass. Lifted nose, with marzipan top note, followed by fine brandy spirit, over liquorice, blackberry and spice end notes. Explosive palate, mouthfilling flavours of liquorice, blackberry and brandy over a marzipan background. Fine dry tannins, superbly balanced to the fruit and spirit. Very long aftertaste of spice, vanilla, marzipan and liquorice allsorts.
Cellar 10-20 years (2018-2028)
Alc/Vol: 19%