1968 Niepoort Colheita Port

Pale golden brown. Lovely and unexpectedly delicate scent of dried grasses and flowers, a whiff of caramelised apricot and jasmine, peppery sotolon . Jasmine and non-sweet toffee on the palate, perhaps a light hint of mocha. Outstanding length and intensity but so light-footed and apparently effortless, the alcohol (I don’t have the figures but assume it is around 20%) seamlessly integrated. Although it is sweet, there’s so much freshness that I really can’t tell how sweet it is. Outstandingly fresh and full of life. (JH)