1980 Graham's Vintage Port

[Todd Pettinger]

Graham's Vintage Port [1980]

Decanted at 11:30 hrs for consumption after 6 hrs. Soft red in the glass with some signs of aging. The nose was soft but also somewhat vegetal. This blew off after 24 hours. The nose was primarily of softer, red fruits the one that stood out most was raspberries.

The soft fruits were complimented by a tannic structure that one could sense, but was not overly obtrusive. Fruits and some vanilla were present. Not a blockbuster at this stage, but with a solid foundation that indicated this VP had better days ahead of it. The palate was of red fruits, raspberries, bing cherries, some chocolate if you thought of it. Although Graham’s is known as a sweeter style, I did not find that with this bottle.

Much better after a full day of decanting. It is my humble opinion that this Port is still at least 10-15 years from approaching its peak and although drinkable now with around a day of decanting, will be better off if you wait at least a decade or more.

92+ pts

[Moses Botbol]

I've had this a couple of times and thought it was quite good. 1980 is a great sleeper vintage in general. Probably gave the Graham around a 90 or so? I think I did post a TN a while back...

[Todd Pettinger]

This was one of three that I brought back from Boston. It has recently become available in Edmonton (slightly inflated price from what I got it for in Boston, but not outrageous) so I needed to check up on it to see if it was worth getting any more.

[Moses Botbol]

OK, I remember that one. Was it from BLM? I have a case in storage I am anxious to have delivered. Try the '80 Sandeman if you ever see it around too.

[Todd Pettinger]

Yep, BLM.
Sandeman is scarce around these parts, but i will definitely keep my eyes open for it.

[Roy Hersh]

And add Dow, Warre & Ferreira 1980 to that list as well.

[Moses Botbol]

1980 Warre is a rare vintage. I do not think I have tried that.

[Moses Botbol]

Much better after a full day of decanting. It is my humble opinion that this Port is still at least 10-15 years from approaching its peak and although drinkable now with around a day of decanting, will be better off if you wait at least a decade or more.

92+ pts

Had a pristine bottle of this last night, and have to agree that it is no where near its peak, but does not have the backbone of '83 or '85. Will be a sleeper for ever like '60 Graham.

[Alan Gardner]

I was unfortunate enough to have this wine presented to me to taste blind in the presence of several wine enthusiasts at a Birthday party.
I'm guessing it was decanted (by the host) just before serving and was presented in the decanter without any clues as to the contents or style of wine.
Tasted June 2009
Colour, deep ruby - slightly lighter at edge (but no visible browning).
Clearly a vintage port on the nose, with rich, sweet opulent aromatics - mixture of fruit and blossoms.
Intensely sweet on entry, with mild acidity. The fruit continued through to a long sweet, ripe raspberry finish, but lacked any significant 'grip'. Mouthfeel was definitely sweet, with a touch of alcohol towards the end, suggesting not fully integrated.

My thought process was:
1. Certainly vintage port
2. The huge fruit suggested fairly young - but colour wasn't black, so not too young ? Possibly 80's
3. Lack of grip suggested close to fully mature - yet the touch of alcohol was a bit confusing - suggested probably built for a long life.
Conclusion: 1985 seemed about right; if older then either a lesser vintage (82, 83) or had to jump back to 1970 (and didn't seem that old or complex). So assume 85 and guess the house. Certainly sweet enough for Graham - maybe even sweeter, so flirted with Sandeman, and considered Warre. Finally 'pronounced' it to be 85 Graham - whereupon revealed as 1980 Graham.

Comment: I haven't consumed many 80's recently - my mental notes suggest that they will repay longer keeping. Knowing the identity now, I am 'slightly' disappointed - I would have expected more grip and potential. However, great drinking now, and for several more years, although I don't see any great improvement to come.

And Roy: My notes don't show any 1980's at the Januray 2009 Event. Seems a good candidate for 2010 ????????? Maybe a comparison with 1977.