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1963 Offley Boa Vista Vintage Port
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 7:06 am
by Tom Archer
Billed in the auction listing simply as 'unknown port' - this bottle had a level that was well into neck and the date 1963 stamped on the foil.
Removing the foil revealed the shipper's name, clearly visible through the glass.
This was just as well, as the cork chose to disintegrate when drawn.
Decanted at 2.50 pm - loads of sediment, a dark rose colour in the decanter.
First sip. A little raw but quite approachable, even before it's had time to settle down. No bottle stink, has the nose of Taylor and the palate of Dow.
Promising..
..more anon
Tom
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:14 am
by Tom Archer
3 hours on and a glass proper
Very elegant ruby colour going to a pink edge and clear meniscus.
On the palate it is slightly on the dry side, but rich, fruity and lasting - the high standing of this vintage shines through beautifully.
This is a fully mature wine, but I think it is still on it's plateau. Broadbent bills it as a 'drink soon' - but it doesn't come over as being about to fall apart any time soon.
See how it evolves..
Tom
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:14 pm
by Tom Archer
10 hours on.
In the glass a full rich ruby - very attractive.
On the nose a fine fruity bouquet - restrained, civilised.
On the palate, dry, fine, refined - lasting finish.
Overall, very good.
Time for a score.
Better than the median? - without doubt.
Top quartile? - certainly.
High in that sector..?
Yes...
- Only de-merits are a touch of fire on the finish that might go away, and a slight lightness..
A nine without doubt, but one more sip won't hurt...
...Is it in the top 5% for immediate gratification?
- YES!
My first 10 score under my scoring system!!!
Where's it going?
This is fully mature wine with no evidence of decline, but it is a little light to hold the plateau for a long time.
- So my score is:
10-9
Tom
Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 2:30 pm
by Tom Archer
3 days on and the decanter has only one or two more glasses to yield
This is pure nectar with a fine prominant bouquet. It slips down gracefully without a hint of fire now - a real gem.
I can't recall an encounter with Offley that did not exceed my expectations - an unsung hero in my book.
Should a case of Offley '63 come to auction in London (or Abergavenny, Mr Chadwick...!), please don't bid without contacting me - I will happily share the contents!
Tom
Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 3:37 pm
by Frederick Blais
I always get a lot of pleasure drinking Offley's Vintage Port. They are often overlooked by too many unfotunately but this is good for us as the price remains fairly low 8)
Offley
Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 3:46 pm
by Kurt Wieneke
Offley Traditional LBV's are also extremely good ports for the money.