ThePortForum.com

On Wednesday 9th August 2017 we gathered at The Boot & Flogger to taste some port.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1977 Fonseca (MPM I);
• 1977 Rebello Valente (CPR I: one half of a magnum);
• 1977 Rebello Valente (CPR II: another half of a magnum);
• 1970 Sandeman (DRL);
• 1983 Ramos Pinto (IDJ);
• 1970 Taylor (AHB);
• 1992 Churchill Agua Alta (SCD);
• 1970 Ramos Pinto (JDAW adopted from IDJ);
• 1977 Berry Bros & Rudd (Quarles Harris) (WPS);
• 1997 Noval (CMAG);
• 1975 Dow (TEF adopted from AHB);
• 1961 Krohn (TC);
• 1977 Smith Woodhouse (MPM II);
• Placemats;
• Food order;
• Planning and arrangements.

35% opacity, rich, warm red, very clear. Nose of molasses, redcurrant. Smooth entry, syrupy, full mouthfeel. Very mild heat, red fruits, redcurrant, good balance, just a hint of acidity in the finish which seems to curtail the aftertaste. I guessed S70. On relfection, T70 should have been guessed - all the signs were there.

Bottled in the UK by Christopher & Co. Deep red with a rose coloured rim; 80% opaque. Fragrant nose, full of lavender but also with a sour juniper undertone that adds complexity. Smells very young and not particularly attractive. But on the palate this is completely transformed, smoothly textured and a little subdued at first but opens up to reveal real depth and power to the fruit. On the late palate there is a huge dose of deep and intense black cherry juice. The aftertaste and finish are big and burly, full of sweet plum and bitter black licorice. This is a very, very impressive port and one capable of holding in the cellar for many more years. 93/100. 09-Aug-17. Decanted 12½ hours.

T70. Darkish red, 50% opaque. Palate dry and long, very big, with cherries.