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60% opaque, possibly some slight browning. Some primary fruit on nose still + maybe a bready note. Palate a bit harsh with some bitterness.

Initially disappointing but then improved in the glass over an hour or so and then quite nice. Gave it 5/7 and 0.5 points.

Quite pale - <50%. Something not quite right on the nose. Palate was better. Tastes much older than it is - maybe stored too hot at some point. OK. 4/7

Note - apparently bottle was labelled "Symingtons" rather than Quarles Harris, which previous bottles may have been? 50%+ opaque with some slight browning to rim. Nose already mature and not very appealing. Palate better than nose, but only just. Would have been sold to buy & drink imm...

60%? opaque - similar appearance to the Taylor. Vegetal, green pepper note on nose + maybe chlorine? Palate very different to nose - more fruit driven. OK, but had high hopes so a bit disappointing. 5-/7.

60%? opaque - lighter than the Croft but without the browning. Less obvious fruit on nose than the Croft and very reserved. More fruit on palate but not ready. Good - 5/7 (HM).

70% opaque, ruby but possibly starting to show some brown at the rim. Still some decent dark fruit on the nose. More primary fruit on palate. Very pleasant - 5/7.

No obsessives here.

No, not at all. None.

My arrival time for the afternoon is subject to getting away from a funeral in Gravesend and then driving into London, so will order something when I get there - hopefully mid-afternoon. Could someone please pour for me and I’ll catch up on arrival… For evening I’ll have the Rarebit, followed by Sau...

I'll be there 1700ish.

First of three bottles purchased from Harvey Nichols sale in January 2023.
Decanted at 1830 on evening before 1994 Horizontal on 26/3/24; in decanter for two hours; rebottled and Vac-U-Vined.
Cork maybe 40% saturated. Lots of fine sediment.
QA sample good.

From a case purchased en primeur from La Vigneronne in 1996. Has been in my cellar since delivery.
Decanted at 1830 on evening before 1994 Horizontal on 26/3/24; in decanter for two hours; rebottled and Vac-U-Vined.
Cork in perfect condition. Loads of heavy sediment.
QA sample good.

flash_uk wrote: ↑09:28 Tue 26 Mar 2024

mcoulson wrote: ↑09:08 Tue 26 Mar 2024 I've printed the place mats .... be there 5 ish

We may have two sets for this tasting

nac wrote: ↑00:16 Thu 21 Mar 2024 I'm in the office Tuesday so will print the placemats then.

I shall, therefore, not print the placemats.

Croft and Taylor both decanted at 1830. Two hours in decanter before going back into bottles and Vac-U-Vining.
QA samples both OK.
Initial notes on opening details and provenance have been created.
Croft 1994
Taylor 1994

Graham 1994 standing in anticipation of Tuesday. Is that a 2022 release? No - it's from one of those mixed Symington 3-bottle presentation cases alongside a D94 and W94. The case has been at Seckfords for some time. Yup, that was the Dec 21 / Jan 22 release. The clue is the "matured in our cel...

Harry - I've now got to go to a funeral that morning. I'm still coming but won't be there by 1230. Hopefully not much later, but probably makes sense for me to order my lunch when I get there.

flash_uk wrote: ↑11:45 Thu 21 Mar 2024 Graham 1994 standing in anticipation of Tuesday.

Is that a 2022 release?

I realize that it is a super touristy thing to do, but ... I have time. So ... is it worthwhile and do I need some kind of reservation to tour the Tower of London? And perhaps more specifically, do any of you recommend any tour provider over the others? Despite having worked in London for 30+ years...

I'm in the office Tuesday so will print the placemats then.

Alex/Julian - to confirm, Christopher is adopting the T94 from me.
What's the guidance/preference for decanting?
Unless there's an objection I'll decant the Cr & T the evening before, leave in the decanter for a couple of hours, and then put back in the bottle and Vac-u-Vin.

My food order:
Ham hock terrine
Sausage & Mash (large)
Welsh rarebit

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑17:32 Sun 10 Mar 2024 On the assumption that Ben can take the last seat at the table, this is what I am asking each attendee to bring:
...
NAC Croft
...

Croft found (eventually, after much searching), stood up, in a safe place, etc.

Yup, I'm in.

nac wrote: ↑15:37 Wed 13 Mar 2024 Will bring 1985 Royal Oporto.

Or, how about 2001 Quinta do Vale Donna Maria - for which there's no tasting note on the index?

Organiser to decide.

Will bring 1985 Royal Oporto.

Probably available.