Decanting Time for 1997 Graham's VP

[dom carter]

Hi,

I'm "home-alone" this xmas - which is fine by me (been a long year!) and to help me through the festive season I've obtained a 1997 Graham's VP, from a brewery's shop of all places!

What would you recommend as a good decanting time for this?? I'm aware the 97 vintage was very good - not to the 94 std, but that was a bit of a classic, and therefore would like to appreciate this at it best.

Thanks in advance

Dom

[Derek T.]

I'd give that one 8 to 12 hours in the decanter to open up. You might find that it is even better on day 2 if you manage to leave any in the decanter.

The prospect of spending Christmas alone with a good bottle of Port is very appealing

[David T.]

Going off on a slight tangent....

If you live in Brighton and you bought the port from a Brewery shop, I'm guessing that you may have been along to Harvey's in Lewes....is that right? I have been meaning to get along to Harvey's for a while down, but haven't found the excuse to drive down from London. They had a Ramos Pinto LBV at £11.50, which was the cheapest I had found by a mile, and I'm seriously tempted to stock up. If you have been to Harvey's, can you let us know how you found it, and if they had a good selection? I'd be very interested to know!

Thanks and regards. Enjoy the Graham's

[dom carter]

Yes it was the Harvey's brewery shop - The Graham's was a single bottle, their port selection didn't look that vast (although their wine selection is extensive) but as you stated their main line is Ramos Pinto and it was all reasonably priced.

I don't actually like their beer, not being a "Sussex Local" it tastes funny to me (maybe the water)although the "natives" swear by it - but i do frequent a pub in Lewes that's very good for food (and it sells Ramos Pinto by the glass!) hence the visit to the brewery shop whilst returning to the train station.

You don't need to drive down, just shop online (the Graham's isn't listed);

http://www.harveysonline.co.uk/acatalog ... Wines.html

Hope this helps

Dom

[dom carter]

Just realised, i never thanked Derek for the decanting advice i'll probably open it xmas eve evening leaving it overnight (obviously after a test tasting on opening!)

Thanks again.

Dom