The Auswine Forum

A tawny port, with around 28 years in barrel before bottling. The date refers to the oldest material in the blend. 1 pint 6 ounces volume, and 19% alcohol by volume. Tasted over 3 days.

I've had most of the 'vintage numbered' Paras over the years, being numbered as 1922, 1927, 1930, 1933, 1939, 1944 and 1947. After this, in the 1970s, they started with 101, 102, 103, etc. However, the last time I tried a 1930 would have to be 20 years ago.

Deep caramel in colour, with a slightly olive rim. Intense nose with raisins, Christmas cake, some alcohol heat / brandy essence, coffee, rancio, and toffee. The palate is also (not surprisingly) intense, with the coffee, raisins and brandy coming to the fore. Absolutely mouth-filling and certainly replacing any flavours that might have remained from previous wine and food. Incredible length and a warm, slightly aggressive finish.

It's difficult to compare this with any port I've tasted over the last decade - it's port essence, and incredibly concentrated. It accompanied some moderately strong cheeses two nights ago, but really should just be tasted on its own and revered

I'll abstain from my usual comments about whether it will improve with age.

Cheers
Allan

A treat for sure! Interesting that you call out the alcohol/brandy heat. Was it disjointed at all? The last 1945 Penfolds Grandfathers I had, the spirit was poking out a bit. Not nasty, but could have been smoother. These old ports and tawnies are always so much fun!