2011 Offley Boa Vista Vintage Port

Bright, saturated ruby. Musky, reticent aromas of black cherry, blackberry, violet, licorice, mint and menthol. Sweet and rich but a bit youthfully clenched, showing a medicinal quality to the flavors of bitter cherry, bitter chocolate, black pepper, mint and menthol. This youthfully tight port's dark fruit flavors began to emerge with air. Finishes with chewy, edgy tannins that coat the front teeth. Lay this one down for at least eight years.

The Offley Boa Vista Vintage Port comes from selected grapes in the Pinhao area and, of course, the Quinta de Boa Vista. The 2011 is a blend of 45% Touriga Nacional, 45% Touriga Franca and 10% Tinta Roriz, bottled in April. It has a high-toned bouquet with sweet blueberry and cassis aromas – very forward and perhaps not as complex as the Ferreira Vintage at the moment. The palate is actually better than the nose, in particular the fine tannins and the delicate dash of white pepper sprinkled over the finish. The Offley appears to have very impressive balance and after ten minutes in the glass, the nose begins to calm down and develops hints of clove and heather. This will need a little more patience than some of the other 2011 Vintage declarations. Tasted May 2013.

Exceptionally deep colour. Pruney nose – quite forward and luscious. A bit less concentration than some, although the structure pokes through in a slightly angular way. Hot finish. (JR)