During a visit to Quinta do Vesuvio, I had the great oppertunity to taste some one month old VP of single grape varieties to be used for the 2004 vintage port. Brandy was already added to the most and therefore fermentation was stopped.
Strangly enough, these port showed almost no sign of tannins, probably overwelmed by the fruit intensity.
Touriga Francesa 2004
Purple to black colour with a milky hue. Concentrated red fruit, lots of freshness, eucalyptic, concentrated sweet flowers and a some bitter tones.
The Touriga Francesa gives the port a pronounced scented wine, with intense aromas.
Someone suggested to serve this on the rocks on a beach.
Tinta Barroca 2004
ALmost black colour. Incredibly powerfull and tight, very jammie aromas, toast, bitter, yeast (?) and a bit rustic.
This grape variety is obviously used for its colour and power. Not very enjoyable on its own.
Touriga Nacional 2004
Purple to black colour. Very elegant, complex and aromatic. Flavours of sweet red fruit, flowers like violets, spicess, minty freshness and some pepper. The finish lasts forever.
Touriga Nacional gives a port its elegancy and complexity.