22 Dec 2009 Off-line in Ann Arbor

[Peter W. Meek]

While we're on decanting times: I have a 26th anniversary coming up. What's a good decanting time for a Warre's 1983 VP?

[Roy Hersh]

6-7 hours.

[chaad thomas]

I had a great time at the event; thanks to Peter for orchestrating the get-together and throwing in some great wines. Roy, you did a good job with the wine yourself, and your presentation on each of the wines was great! It was good to see you again.

I took some quick notes on all of the wines, and captured a few pics as well:

ferreira white port-- slightly corky nose, golden apple flavors, but corked



06 inama soave classico "vigneto du lot"-- slightly reductive and definite oaky nose. crisp but supple, full bodied, nice zip, citrusy. mineral dry on long finish. drinking well; probably right in the sweet spot.

05 inama "carmenere pui" (75 carmenere/25 merlot)-- mulberry and black pepper with earthy tones. Full and smooth, with peppery berry and soft pine notes on palate. med-long finish, polished progression.

06 traverso schioppettino--smoky, beef rib/jerky nose. lots of alcohol. Chunky, bold, intense palate with spicy black fruit. dense texture, long and spicy finish. Really flavorful.

'64 delaforce vintage--mid ruby. buttered rum nose, or baba rhum. pale garnet color. supple, spicy palate w/ hot cherry bite. long, cough syrup like finish. Good.



77 dow's vintage-- medium ruby, muscular w/black plum notes. deep, unidirectional, fruit driven but also slightly clipped and corky, masking nuance. Taint more noticeable on finish. compromised bottle, so not rated.



97 quinta de la rosa vintage-- deep, chocolatey cordial nose, deep ruby hue. richy, sweet blackberry with nice bite. thick, plush texture, black raisin dominates. long. V. good



94 taylor's vintage--black color. alcohol nose. deep and impenetrable, with a rich but mellow character. Aromatic on palate, and very supple. Long, dark, and hard to dissect. great harmony. Xlnt.

warre's nimrod finest tawny reserve-- pale ruby. rosy nose, w/ cherry cough syrup. hot attack, w/ simple fruit profile and good spice. hard to assess on the heels of De La Rosa and Taylor's.



ferreira 20 yr tawny "duque de braganca"-- mid tawny, with garnet highlights. refined aromas w/ buttered toffee note. supple texture, with mild spice and sweet butterscotch flavors. youthfully sweet/fruity. V. good+



81 van zellers colheita "old tawny"--golden brown, w/oxidized nose. soft and generous, with caramelly swetness and salty savor. long and warm. mid long. very good, but the tired aromas suggest it has had a compromised seal for awhile. Overall, v. good.



taylor fladgate 40yr tawny-- hot, alcohol nose; nutty; salty and mid sweet, with good length and moderate detail. simple, but very nice. disappointing for a 40yr.



52 dalva colheita golden white-- salted caramel nose, savory race, and v. long . highly detailed and balanced; white chocolate. seamless and gorgeously integrated. xlnt. WOTN

[Roy Hersh]

Chaad,

It was great to see you again my friend. 3 years in a row now, I've enjoyed getting to know you better and always a distinct pleasure to eat and drink with you. This was especially made great by being back at Paesano's and meeting the Gang of Port. An awesome evening!