2000 Sainsbury's Taste the Difference
Bottled by Symington. First bottle was corked; not a good start especially as it was a birthday treat. However, thankfully the second of the gifted bottles was enjoyed by all and saved the day.
Dark purple and 90% opaque. Dry herbs on the nose and in the mouth a concentrated mix of dark plums - which predominated - and black cherries with a pleasing touch of mixed spice. Underlying tannins and a little heat were mostly masked by the fruit. Smooth and mouth filling with little after taste.
I have experienced few cases of cork taint with port but once I get even the slightest whiff of that characteristic odor I’m unable, like some, to see past it.
Having been disappointed would I buy this port? The good bottle was no more satisfying than many better valued unfiltered L B V’s I’ve enjoyed so, no!
A question please for someone more knowledgeable - there is a single uppercase R printed on the side of the cork (which appeared young) does this indicate re-corking?