For The Love Of Port

I still haven't quite figured out the TN forum. Am I supposed to post the note there, but also on this main forum for the discussion (if any ensues)? Apologies if posting here also is a misconduct.

Gould Campbell Vintage Port 1985 20% 70€ ( )

Upon decanting, the nose was very mute. An hour later it was very cedary and spicy. After 4 hours, it was open and smelled lovely but was a touch alcoholic.

After 5 hours decanting we started drinking. The colour seems a bit advanced: see-through with a pink rim. Odd. But no worries, as the scent is just lovely. This is a cedary and spicy port but with lovely fruit also: it seems gentlemanly and "old style" at the same time as it seems exotic and "oriental" (in the pre-Edward Saidian use of the term). The palate has opulent fruit ('85 was a hot year?) and still quite a bit of soft tannins. I don't mind tannins at all if they are as ripe as these ones, so I have no qualms about drinking this now. The acidity is on the low side, but there is the slightest touch of volatility - but nothing that could be considered a flaw (I understand some reports on '85s have found annoying levels of VA in '85s). This may not be a hugely complex Port and the aftertaste is perhaps a touch short, but it is a delight to drink it. If the price here weren't so absurd I would buy several bottles of this.

-Otto-

You got it Otto - post here for discussions (if any) to ensue and I also post in the TN section when my TN is complete, usually over the case of several nights.

Thanks for the note on this port - I saw the GC'85 in a shop the other day and was wondering about it myself. The most prevalent '85 around my parts is the Warre's, although that too is starting to disappear, and I have not tried any of them as of yet. The price on the Warre was relatively good C$65 (around €445/$61USD/£31). I believe the GC was a tad more pricey than though I don't recall exactly what it was.

With your note, I will likely go pick up a bottle and try it sooner rather than later as it sounds lie it is about at the stage where I will ike it very much.

Todd