The 2011 Quinta do Passadouro has a high-toned bouquet driven by an intense floral component that, to be honest, distracts from the sumptuous fruit – macerated small dark cherries, cassis and bilberry. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, soft and rounded in the mouth, with plenty of salted licorice and creme de cassis on the generous finish. This should be an accessible, early drinking Vintage Port, though it should age easily over 20 years. Tasted May 2013.

The opaque purple-colored 2007 Quinta Passadouro Vintage Port displays notes of olives and other savory components as well as licorice and blackberry in its enticing perfume. On the palate it has plenty of round, succulent fruit, good depth and concentration, and enough structure to evolve for 6-8 years. It will reach its peak earlier than most of its colleagues but will still offer pleasing drinking through 2022 if not longer. No known American Importer.