Page 1 of 1

1983 Cockburn VP

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 12:08 am
by Bradley Bogdan
Decant: None

Used the (should be) patented Roy method of pop-n-pouring this port. Low neck fill, branded cork, mostly intact brittle black wax capsule, beautiful branded cork that was only about 25% soaked.

This showed well from the get go, with vibrant fruit, staying mostly in the red fruit categories with some plum (which I consider more of an in between red and black fruit), spirit and warm red rock/earth on the nose. On the palate, this was a light to medium bodied VP, with a wonderful balance that supported the still vibrant and very pure fruit, mostly resolved by still grippy tannin, perfect acidity, with some leather and dusty warm rocky earth. Some moderate heat resolved after 4-6 hours. Not the sexiest description for a wine that was superb, but believe me, it was excellent. It didn't lack in complexity or balance, was enjoyable from the start, and continued to be very drinkable on day two, though getting a bit muddled, plummy and spirity again. Seemed slightly lighter in body than my note indicated from the 1983 Horizontal Tasting, but otherwise this was consistent and, again, delicious. Still was free of TCA after about 24 hours, so a lucky bottle. [yahoo.gif]

This also served as a bit of an eye opening port for a couple friends who were in town, and had had good, but not great ports with me in the past. They were hooked on the stuff and got really into the difference between it and a Ferreira 20yr I opened. Its always nice to see a wine hit both the marks for complexity/interest as well as deliciousness.

95 pts.