2000 Late Bottled Vintage Ports

2000 was an outstanding vintage for Port wine and it didn’t take much time for the Vintage Ports to get snapped up by serious collectors. Even if you managed to get your hands on a highly rated 2000 you would have to cellar it for at least 10 years before opening it (if you want to enjoy it at its peak). Thankfully the 2000 LBVs are readily available which should help prevent you from cracking your Vintage Port before its time or getting a little taste of what the vintage has to offer.

I suggest that you decant or allow these LBVs to sit in the glass for a while since they all benefit quite a lot from this in my experience.

Ranked in order of rating (highest to lowest):

1) 2000 Late Bottled Vintage – Fonseca
This Port has a dark ruby hue and offers aromas of plum, strawberry blueberry jam, and Earl Grey tea with maybe a hint of cloves. Soft chewy tannins make for a nice mouthfeel. The sweetness and alcohol are similar to the Graham’s style, with perhaps a little more alcohol showing through than I’d like. Berry and tea accented finish with good length. $22.95 90

2) 2000 Late Bottled Vintage – Graham’s
Although I don’t have detailed notes on this one I remember it was a little grapey (like concord grapes) at first, but after sitting in the glass for a few hours it went away – it was even better one week after opening. It’s full and satisfying with typical Graham’s character at a very agreeable price. $16.95. 89

3) 2000 Late Bottled Vintage - Niepoort
It is a surprisingly light garnet colour (not dark purple or ruby). It reminds me of plum pudding (cooked plum, cinnamon, cloves) with a distinct cigar box bouquet. These elements carry through on the palate. Right out of the bottle it has a chalky smell that disappears with breathing. $22.95. 88-89

4) 2000 Late Bottled Vintage – Quinta do Infantado
There is an unpleasant vegetable smell that dissipates a little with time (possible bottle flaw) and becomes more like a meaty roast beef like aroma. Rosemary and thyme notes complement the meatiness with black fruit and kirsch taking centre stage on the palate. $26.95 86

Hopefully I will have a sequel to this post covering a few more 2000 LBVs