1979 Stanton and Killeen Vintage Port
Rutherglen, Victoria

Served blind, and this showed a scintillating mix of blue fruits, red fruits and violets; in a perfect drinking window, with chalks and persistence. The colour was a very deep ruby, with some bricking on the rim. Beautifully integrated spirit – the mixed fruit flavours convinced me of Portuguese varieties; despite the deep colour, and a touch of mocha, I wrongly bet on Portugal. Then the freshness pulled me to venture younger than 2000 while the mocha element grew. Unmasked – what a surprise, as most described it as being many years younger. From an “average” year, this 100% Shiraz (maybe a dribble of Durif) has handsomely exceeded its expected lifespan. Amazing!

Drink now, 94 points

1997 Stanton and Killeen Vintage Port 19%
Rutherglen, Victoria

I’ve written about this wine before – and it still seems amazing. Still a lurid dense back red, Cloves, spices, red cherry, blueberry, violets. Texture length and drive.  (60% Shiraz, 25% Touriga, 5% each Durif, Tinta Cao and Tinta Barocca). And my notes and score are very consistent.

Drink to 2035, 96 points

1975 Chateau Reynella Vintage Port
McLaren Vale, South Australia

Very dense colour, marzipan, blue and black fruits. Chalky and integrated high uality brady spirit. Something old and Australian, and I wrongly guessed Victorian, plus looked ten years younger than revealed when unmasked.  It has a refined elegance now, and the excellent year, and clever winemaking has left a long legacy.

Drink to 2035, 94 points

2008 Dows Late bottled Vintage Port 19%
Portugal

Cherry, blueberry, and raspberry; savoury, creamy, crisp dry palate, bits of Xmas cake. Served masked – my thoughts – Portuguese, and likely an English house, maybe a single quinta or LBVP as doesn’t have the drive of a declared vintage. 2005? So, I was pretty happy on my assessment when unveiled.

Drink to 2030, 93 points

1975 Quinta do Noval
Portugal

Masked – Pink, ruby colour, still with violets and roses, and tell-tale “putty”,  rounded palate, light with lotsa mocha – supple, mature, delicious, ready to go (and probably has seen better days). Portuguese for sure, but how old? My guess was 1985, but not unhappy to be incorrect – I don’t see many this old.

Drink to 2032, and 92 points (more if you like the mature style)