For The Love Of Port

An odd bottle - part of an auction job lot.

Label is inscribed (in black fountain pen) "I'm told this will be better in 1990 - 25 XII 84"

I feel a little sad that the original recipient never opened this bottle - a kind gift rejected...

From the style of handwriting, I suspect that the original purchaser is probably no longer with us - so look down while I make up for your ungrateful beneficiary - and share the experience with others!

Decanted at 1pm - bottle had that classic Xmas pud smell that is forever Graham. Came clean, but pale. Tipped the remnants into a glass - very little sediment.

First sip had no off notes, but won no Oscars either - light!

6pm, a glass. I was on the lookout for the earthiness on the bouquet that has typified the other 75's I have tried over the last few months, however this is belt and braces Graham, but light and a bit spiritous. Not as good as the Taylors '75 at this stage, but better than Delaforce. Dow, though very different, is on a par.

Colour is pale, going to a clear edge

Midnight and I am hoping for better things, but still spiritous and now noticeably sharp. Am worried that this bottle is bucking the trend and is not improving in decanter - will re-visit tomoprrow lunchtime

Tom

Now settled, composed and agreeable - the sharpness has subsided a little - but in taste and appearance, this is more like a good tawny than a VP.

This is not a blockbuster, but I have it noted as a good "short notice" VP

To be fair, I do not have any idea how this particular bottle was stored over the years, although the cork did not show any signs of vertical storage, and the level was OK.

Tom

This one Tom sounds nothiing like the bottle I had fairly recently(which was bought on release by my father)I'm sorry it was disapointing Tom just shows how much they vary.