1963 Graham's Vintage Port -- (Berry Bros) on Christmas Eve

[Richard Henderson]

I am decanting the 63 Graham's BB just before 5 PM local time. I will try it just before leaving for midnite mass at the local Epsicopal Church.
My wife and I will revisit it post midnite, as we set up for Christmas for our young boys. My wife will read a lesson , one son will be an acolyte, and I will sing the carols with our youngest 7 year old.

This port caused me to start corresponding with Roy on these BB's over a year ago. He explained the history of Berry Bros and their bottlings of VP.

The cork was wet and soft and separated but a rich bouquet of warm strawberry jam greeted me from the bottle. Lots of lush fruit in this aroma. It is very hot.
I have tried this several times but not since last Christmas. Rich ruby color as I hold the glass to a bright setting sun from my study here at home.
There are layers and layers of flavor here. I will post more notes as it develops.
It is so very good. A long finish even this early in the decanting.

[Kevin B. Kelly]

Richard,

I envy you, this is a great port, I had it myself Christmas Eve a year ago and I will never forget it. I started drinking after 5 hours decanting, but it got better and better as the hours went by, although I can't be sure hours (plural) is appropriate, it may not have lasted quite that long...

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Kevin B. Kelly
A Port Enthusiast

[Richard Henderson]

After we returned from church, we laid out Christmas gifts for the boys.
The port had fully opened. Perfectly balanced. A great port.

[Al B.]

Richard

We were lucky enough to be able to have the Grahams '63 at the offline we organised in London in November. I remember that it was a wonderful wine and quite held its own against the competition from Taylors and Fonseca.

Glad you enjoyed it. Older Grahams wines are a bit of a gap in my cellar and your note reminds me of this.

Alex