Decant: 6½ hours - Deep shade of red, but transparent centre. Slightly dusty nose, over brambles and blackberries and a touch of refreshing mint. Elegant entry, then sweet redcurrant jelly. Sadly, not a great deal going on in the middle (perhaps not enough decanting time), but not unpleasant. Lots of slurping reveals more in the mid-palate. Terrific aftertaste - licorice and Angostura Bitters before a long dried dark cherry.
The following night the wine had faded from being kept in the heat of the day in London (27C). The colour had faded to a reddish-brown with a pale, rose coloured rim. The nose was odd, smelling distinctly of fresh cut rhubarb and mint - oddly hot and a bit stewed. Sweet and dusty initially in the mouth, with lots of redcurrants. The tannins still show through and an enormous pepperiness dominates the later mid-palate. A big burst of heat on the aftertaste, but then a long and lingering length with the Bitters and cherry still showing through. Not showing as well as yesterday. 88/100. 89 points
TN: 1983 Dow Vintage Port
Moderators: Glenn E., Andy Velebil