A pair of Port from Cockburn’s

The stains on the label of the tawny Port did not come from an enthusiastic drinking session at my house.  Instead, they were earthquake induced as they came from the Earthquake Cellar.  Surprisingly enough, both of these wines were bottled in 1999 so they have seen some age.  The fruit of the 1995 Cockburn’s, Late Bottled Vintage, Porto still tasted young but the wine seemed tempered by time.  All it needed was a bit of air and it became a rather good drink!   On the other hand, our bottle of NV Cockburn’s, 10 Year Tawny Port, Porto was not as interesting for it was too spirituous.  I have no complaints given the prices.  These wines were purchased at BP Wine.

1995 Cockburn’s, Late Bottled Vintage, Porto – $19
Imported by Allied Domecq Wines.  Alcohol 20%.  Bottled in 1999.  The cherry pie flavors were sweet, dense, and full of youthful fruit.  There was a fine+ texture to the wine with sweetness and salivating acidity.  Clearly more fruity there was enough supportive wood for the youthful quality of the fruit.  It was a touch spirituous in the finish of this wine which was seemingly tempered by bottle age.  *** Now – 2025.

NV Cockburn’s, 10 Year Tawny Port, Porto – $11
Imported by Allied Domecq Wines.  Alcohol 20%.  Bottled in 1999.  This eventually fleshed out to reveal ripe and round flavors of dried fruit with baking spices.  Though attractively racy at first there was a distracting amount of heat in the end which.  ** Now.