Rozès Vintage Port (2 fl)

(2 fl, total price), 1 fl. 1997 (92p/WineEnthusiast) and 1 fl. 2015 (92p/WIneEnthusiast). WineSearcher price DKK 828 (DKK 526 + DKK 302, see photos)
2 superb bottles from the "French" Portvinhus, 1997 is one of the best from the last part of the 20th century, 2015 is also a top year.
The house of Rozès stands out by ironically being the only house founded by a Frenchman. Today, France is today the biggest market for Port wine!
The house was founded in the historic year 1855 in Bordeaux by Ostende Rozès. A few years later, trade in port wine began. Activities were halted during World War II, but resumed since. The company continued as a family business until 1974, after which it was sold to Taylor's in partnership with the Sherry house Domecq.
In 1977, the company was taken over by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy - in terms of wine, best known for Champagne, i.a. Dom Pérignon and Vve Clicquot. In 1999, Rozès Port was taken over by another Champagne house, Vranken Monopole/Pommery, i.a. Heidsieck monopoly.
1997: 92p/WineEnthusiast: "Very dense in the nose, with nuances of rubber and ripe black plum. The palate thrusts with cherry, raspberry and raisin. Now, it's all fruit, showing only a smidgen of chocolate and a hint of espresso. But with time—8 to 10 years—it will reveal the full allotment of refinement and class."
2015: 92p/WineEnthusiast: "Fruity and with juicy acidity, this wine is crisp, with a strongly perfumed aftertaste. A tannic core will allow it to develop slowly and surely. Drink this fruity wine from 2025."
The wine is aged for 2 years in oak casks and then bottled before further aging in bottles. Vintage Port is one of the best available, usually only bottled in the best vintages.