461984 Mon Nov 19 05:57:07 -0800 2007 0 34 Wine 0 3137871 1997 Quinta do Crasto Vinho Tinto Reserva (Douro, Portugal): Produced from 60+ year old vines, this is a field blend of mixed Porto varieties; it was aged for nine months in both French and American oak, and bottled without filtration in June 1998. Surprisingly deep garnet in color, with multilayered colors shading to a light brick at the rim; clear and clean, though ample sediment was left behind after decanting, and a ruby-colored crust adheres to the bottle; the bouquet is a rich, heady mélange of ripe cherry, tar, spice, plum, anise, light oak, and more -- all of which is echoed on the full-flavored palate, which is velvety smooth, opulent, almost decadent, and leads into a very long, tasty finish. Outstanding! Cheers, Jason Mon Nov 19 05:57:07 -0800 2007 28122 zin1953