Chateau Pato Vintage Port 2011 (500ml)

2011 was a great vintage for Hunter Valley reds, Louise and I still have plenty of both colours in our cellar. We have also had this wine many times of the years and it has stayed remarkably youthful and vigorous, never loosing it’s luxuriant fruit and etched curves. Shiraz fruit to the fore, all blackcurrant, black cherry, blueberry and plum, with notes of potpourri, bitumen, baking spices and dark chocolate. Rich and mouth filling, not bitter like a Portuguese Port, rather the tannins malleable, full of movement. As far as i know, this is now sold out, and another has not been made, which is a great shame. There are decades ahead of course, at least 2 and probably more. Yet another bargain from Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. Waters Wine Co

In 2011 we were able to ripen the fruit to a very high sugar level due to the hot vintage. As a result, the colour is very dense with an amazing depth to it. There is opulent shiraz fruit on the nose along with fresh and vibrant brandy spirit. The palate is expressive and succulent and shows a restrained intensity of licorice and dark chocolate. Although termed ‘dry’ the residual sugar is 50 grams per litre which strikes an even balance between fruit, spirit and tannin. 100% Shiraz, 500ml bottle, 100 dozen produced. Chateau Pato