Stanton & Killeen Vintage Port 1998 For several years Chris Killeen has been at the forefront of creating Australian vintage ports with a distinctly Portuguese influence. Since 1997 he’s incorporated the Portuguese port varieties Tinta cao and tinta barocca into his wine, to augment the touriga he’s had for several years. He’s working to make his port more drinkable and finely structured than traditional Australian styles, but without sacrificing any intensity of flavour. He retains between 20-25% shiraz in the blend to maintain intensity and concentration. Killeen’s 1998 vintage is the best and most authentic release to date (19.0, drink 2010-2018+). Long and spirity, perfumed and savoury, it’s fine and silky, with an underlying spine of fine, bony tannins. It’s already ready to drink, but will improve for at least a decade. The precise blend is 26% shiraz, 26% touriga, 20% durif, 13% tinta cao, 13% tinta barocca and 2% cabernet sauvigon. The wine will be released from the cellar door this November for a paltry $28 per 750 ml bottle. Click here for other vintages of Stanton and Killeen Vintage Port
