NV Quinta das Carvalhas Memorias 19th C Tawny Port

The NV Memorias 19th Century Tawny Port from Carvalhas, due to be released in April, 2015, was blended by winemaker Jorge Moreira in 2010, but at the time I tasted it was still not quite on the market. This preview look is worthwhile, though. A blend of vintages from 1867-1900, this is just beautiful. With a powerful, intense nose (the type of thing that makes old Tawnies so exceptional), it proceeds to touch all the bases. Crisp, fresh and invigorating on the palate, it also finishes with a certain unctuous, yet subtle feel. It lingers beautifully and it is just delicious for every moment that it lingers. This is not the biggest or most powerful, but it does exactly what you want old Tawnies to do. It is fine. The drinking window is just a suggestion. Assume that it is pretty much immortal, if it comes with a reliable cork. There were just 75 cases scheduled to be produced. Note: This Port has been in the cellars of Real Companhia Velha for 55 years. It was previously kept at the original cellars of Port shippers Miguel Sousa Guedes & Irmãos (the owners of Quinta das Carvalhas at that time), which were taken over in 1953 by Manuel da Silva Reis, owner of Real Companhia Velha since 1960. Apr 2015, www.roberparker.com, Drink: 2015-2065

Walnut and hazelnut husk notes streak through this intense Port, followed quickly by racy dried orange peel, date, brown sugar, powdered ginger and green tea flavors. The long finish has terrific tension and drive, with a twinge of iodine adding lift and cut. Exotic and beautiful. Contains a majority of wine from 1867, blended with 7 percent wine from 1900. Drink now. 21 cases made, 6 cases imported.