C. da Silva, Distinctive Port Dalva 2011 – Colheita

The wine has a garnet color of medium intensity. The nose is fragrant, jammy and spicy, with nice concentration, precision and complexity (but with the alcohol appearing at first nose). It expresses notes of violet fig jam, dried fig, morello cherry jam, dried red cherry, dried wild strawberry, blackberry liqueur and crème de cassis, combined with caramelised notes and a hint of torrefaction with an oxidative touch of caramelized hazelnut, toffee, walnut praline, toasted walnut, coffee with milk in the background. We also find notes of crushed vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, as well as flowers (dried rosé, wilted peony), infused black tea and dried tobacco. The palate is refined and complex, with a gourmand and caramelised finish which develops towards pleasant oxidative notes of walnut praline and toasted walnut, associated with delicate touches of wilted flowers, dried tobacco, infused black tea, toffee and a hint of saffron and undergrowth in the background. We also find flavors of dried purple fig, a very discreet hint of currants and prunes, morello cherry in kirsch, bramble liqueur, crème de cassis, wild strawberry jam and crushed blackcurrant, combined with notes of caramelised hazelnut, toasted vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg in the background. The tannins are velvety and melted, well constructed. A nice salivating acidity appears at the end of the mouth. Beautiful complexity, gourmandise and richness, all in balance.