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A tasting of 1980s, on Wednesday 20th October 2021, at the Boot & Flogger, arranged George G.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1980 Fonseca;
• 1980 Taylor;
• 1980 Croft Quinta da Roêda;
• 1980 Sandeman;
• 1980 Offley;
• 1980 Burmester;
• 1980 Dow;
• 1980 Graham;
• 1980 Warre;
• 1980 Smith Woodhouse;
• 1980 Gould Campbell;
• 1980 Quinta do Noval Nacional;
• 1980 Niepoort;
• 1980 Cálem Quinta da Foz;
• Placemats (mentioned in issue 151; a revisit of the design of 02Mar2012);
• Planning and arrangements.

Very dark indeed, only slightly paling at the rim. Another port with excellent tannic balance but just a touch more stolid than the winning GC - no first place points.

A dangerous Port. This was by far the easiest drinker of the night with a really balanced palate (just a little heat to see you off). My pos 4.

One of the darker 1980s. Deep red in the middle. Quite a limited nose but in the mouth, some fresh fruit—lovely cherries—with good acidity and a medium to long aftertaste. Very enjoyable.

Also a dark red wine (though a little lighter than the Dow and the Gould Campbell) – barely pale at the rim. I thought the nose was muted but that the palate and the aftertaste, both of black cherry/almonds, were pleasant.

Deep red, looking to be in early maturity; 80% opaque. A lovely fruity, slightly soapy, redcurrant nose that is showing nicely. Rich and balanced on the palate, with generous fruit and a touch of tannins still showing in the mouth. The balance is lovely and patience rewards with several phases of flavour covering warm cloves and cherries. These dominate the aftertaste with the tannins giving a pleasant slightly dry edge to the finish. Very lovely, my joint top wine of the night together with the Taylor. 90/100. Drunk 20-Oct-21. Decanted 6 hours.