1985 Calem Vintage Port

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:03 pm

This is a wine that does not have much of a press - it is said to be prone to the curse of the 85's, and, according to Mayson, subsequently withdrawn.

I recently acquired a few bottles as part of a mixed lot, pricing them in at close to zilch - so nothing to lose.

I decanted a bottle about an hour ago, expecting kettle cleaner - but what a surprise!

A beautiful garnet colour with a clear meniscus, a light chocolatey bouquet, gloriously smooth on the palate with just a touch of spice and a silky finish.

Not just drinkable, but an excellent bottle.

I do hope the other bottles are as good.

simon Lisle · Post by **simon Lisle** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 3:28 pm

Thanks Tom for the notes I recently passed up half a case of these.

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 4:19 am

Three days on - the dregs of the decanter

As noted on previous occasions, the last glass can be very different to the first.

Bouquet now has noticeable alcohol and a fine aroma of berry fruits.

A little more bite on the palate, but still very smooth, finish is distinctly fruity - no trace of the chocolate now.

Decanter now washed - what next?

Dalva '70 - Very cheap, but is it still alive?
Warre '77 - Maybe try one of the Noah bottles
Fonseca '83 - A better bottle this time, perhaps?
Vesuvio '96 - Too young, but perhaps forgiveable from a lesser year

Decisions, decisions...!!

Stuart Chatfield · Post by **Stuart Chatfield** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 9:14 am

Useful note -

Go for the Warre '77 - quite a few notes on the site about that now; will be good to see another view. Also want to see what that flood did to it :!:

I have no experience of this one. However, I have an absolutely pristeen, high-fill, labelled bottle of Calem '60 that was part of.......you guessed it a mixed lot - must be the only way to get rid of it! I was after some Graham and Dow '60 in that lot and the Calem really was, effectively, free.

Can't decide whether to crack it as, like you, I'm thinking how it cost me nothing. However, there may come a time when it is about the last one left in the world and valuable as a curisosity!

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 10:44 am

- Your wish is my command!

Have just decanted. Initial sniff of the decanter reveals a mustiness reminiscent of a Dow '75 I opened a while back - that soon vanished, so I hope this does too.

Will try a glass in an hour or so

Tom

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 12:32 pm

See new TN thread