My 4th spin with this vintage and it's holding steady, if a little more reserved than it was in youth. The 16s were super open and drinkable young but have added more of what you'd expect in it's youth, more structure, more density, just more serious. Decant if having right away. If you can plan it, splash decant briefly and rebottle it with the cork open for 24 hours. — 3 months ago
Stellar choice always. The 2021 is a easy choice winner w outstanding mouthfeel, manageable tannins & satisfying finish. @Restaurant Beatrice — 6 months ago
2018 vintage. Explosive but overtly chunky vs deeply grippy. Tasted after being opened approx 30 mins. Needed 7-10 hours of serious airing or a dedicated, triple-decant + air + time. Maybe gets to 9.6 with all that? Body medium-heavy w/o being syrupy. — 9 months ago
browner colour, smells of burnt caramel, apricots, amber honey - very syrup-y. not as sweet as the other port. tastes like raisins, maple syrup-esque. tastes similar to the maple syrup taffy/lollipops. not as fruity as the other port. after chocolate the flavours are softened and honestly not as sweet — 22 days ago
Citrus galore — 7 months ago
very tasty heavy body. Great pair with sweet desserts — 15 days ago
Broke out one of my cellared Raffaults for my homeboy who graced me with a home cooked Tuscan styled flank steak w rosemary & arugula, as well as Israeli cous cous w chickpeas, charred tomatoes, feta, & herbs. Light Cadmium red hued & strong color though ( good cork- not a guarantee w Raffault!); dense Hibiscus, fresh raspberry & some bramble on nose; on palate very clean & smooth mouthfeel, with the initial flavors repeated but a deeper blend of red fruits & a stronger presence of under brush. Super fresh & integrated. Elegant, & the Burgundy echo was hard to ignore. Not Uber complex but not monolithic either, which this line of Raffault can be in its youth ( or as it ages). Very impressive, & accessible now. Curious how my ‘02 & 07s will fare… — 17 days ago
Bianca Banato
burnt red translucent appearance, strong whisky bouquet, flavors of honey with sweet ripe red grape and plum — after trying a dark chocolate, tasted nutty and smooth; buttery — 22 days ago