The last Decanter issue

Frederick Blais · Post by **Frederick Blais** » Sat Nov 19, 2005 10:42 am

It has a 4 pager about a tasting lead by Richard Mayson on the 83-85 VP evaluation. No surprise, the 83 were prefered to the 85.

Earning decanter awards are Graham 85 and 83 + Smith Woodhouse 83.

Only 3 other bottles earned the 4 stars, Gould Campbell 83, Warre's 83 and Taylor 85.

I was surprised to see so few wines earning at least 4 stars, these are not outstanding Vintage but many very good wines where produced. The highly acclaimed Fonseca 85 only got 3 stars.

Kopke 85, one of the worst VP I had too many times because I bought some at a special price manage to get 3 stars while Ramos Pinto and even Cockburn 83 only received 2 stars.

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Sat Nov 19, 2005 12:25 pm

..so why are people buying Graham 2003's when they can get a perfectly mature Graham '85 for almost exactly the same money??

There's no real evidence to suggest that 2003 will go down as a better year!

Steve Saxon · Post by **Steve Saxon** » Sat Nov 19, 2005 5:05 pm

Over the past year I've had the 85 Grahams, Fonseca and Taylor. Out of the 3, the Grahams was far and away the best., the Fonseca was good but lacking and the Taylor had no redeaming qualities what so ever.

Steven Kooij · Post by **Steven Kooij** » Sat Nov 19, 2005 6:03 pm

Decanter is difficult to find over here; a shame, as this seems to be an interesting issue!

FWIW: I've always enjoyed the Kopke '85 (one of the best VP made by this house IMHO). Both the Fonseca '85 and the Cockburn '83 are VERY close to perfection for my taste...

Ted D · Post by **Ted D** » Sat Nov 19, 2005 7:50 pm

uncle tom wrote:..so why are people buying Graham 2003's when they can get a perfectly mature Graham '85 for almost exactly the same money??

There's no real evidence to suggest that 2003 will go down as a better year!

Agreed, but how could their be evidence so early?

And the Graham 85 is far far from mature (although I've drank over a case in the last couple of years!).

If young, buy both. I'm 44 - and buying 2003s, as well as some 85s for sure.

Ted

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 12:32 am

I agree with Steven K. that the '83 Cockburn's and Fonseca '85 are two incredible wines. I agree with Steve S. that the '85 Taylor is not a solid VP. I agree with Ted, that the '85 Graham's is far from a "perfectly mature" Port at this point in it's curve.

I will have to check out the article though. Richard is a friend, so I won't say anything negative. Unless I disagree, that is.

Just kidding, he has a very astute palate and has forgotten more about Port than I will ever learn. He has dined here at my home, taken part in one of my Port tastings here and did an article on it. I believe I own every Port/Madeira/Portuguese Wine book he has ever scribed. A brilliant writer!

Ronald Wortel · Post by **Ronald Wortel** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 3:35 am

Interesting article with controversial ratings. Stevie: I know an adress in Utrecht that sells Decanter, I'll see if I can find one.

NickA · Post by **NickA** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:17 am

I agree with the follow up comments more than the Decnater view re. Taylor/fonseca etc.., but I do think the two Grahams are the most immediately attractive and drinkable wines from those vintages, so they may have been looking for attractiveness to drink today...

Interesting no mention of Dow's '83, which should be one of the tops, but doesn't always show well...

I think the trio of SW, GC and Cockburns '83s represent about the best value in port though from those vintages...