Chateau de Pommard Clos Marey – Monge “Simone” 2016

Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Ports are wines of a single very good year that age in large oak vats between four and six years, until they reach an ideal level of maturity. LBVs are then bottled, ready to be enjoyed without the need for decanting as the natural sediment is left behind in the vat. They are rich, full-bodied wines with a smooth texture, mellowed over time by the wood ageing. This Late Bottled Vintage Port is sourced from the same vineyards that produce Cockburn’s famed Vintage Ports, namely the company’s own Quinta dos Canais and Quinta do Vale Coelho properties, both located in the remote Douro Superior subregion. Deep crimson centre with an intense garnet rim. The very high quality of both the Touriga Franca and the Touriga Nacional in 2015 sings through the attractive floral aromas, where a rock rose fragrance is particularly evident. The wine is simultaneously full and smooth on the palate, with typical red fruit flavours ranging from raspberry and strawberry to red cherry. There is a fine, peppery spice element on the finish, which shows Cockburn’s trademark grip. This wine is fully mature and ready for pouring as it has been bottled free of sediment. Late Bottled Vintages, as the term implies, are bottled later than classic Vintage Ports (the latter after two years). Cockburn’s Late Bottled Vintage can be enjoyed anytime and pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate desserts as well as semi-cured and cured cheeses like Cheddar and Manchego. In warm weather, try serving the wine lightly chilled, this will enhance the aromas and flavours. Once open, the wine will keep in good condition for several weeks.