Light ruby glints at the core and pinkish-tawny edge. The bouquet is a bit austere, with a musty scent along with a touch of esteva. Not TCA, just plain “bottle sickness.” It was slightly better on the palate, as it offered a spicy silhouette, with some strawberry “red-wine” licorice and warm Luden’s cherry cough-drop essence. Rich and lots of glycerin appeared on the glass, but spirity in nature, with fruit that’s begun to recede. 1868 has the reputation of being a great pre-phylloxera vintage. This Port did not fit that mold, as the finish was clipped and showed a bit of heat. Then again, this Port had more than one and a half centuries of age, from the year that phylloxera reached the Douro. | 84