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The traditional Christmas Tasting was held in Tom’s pub.

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• Davy's Crusted 197? (I — CPR);
• 196? Martinez (II — MPM);
• 1922 Martinez (III — AHB);
• 1935 Sandeman (IV — IDJ);
• 1945 Dow (V — THRA);
• 1912 Cockburn (VI — PW);
• 1955 Taylor (VII — ?);
• 1924 Unknown (VIII — RLC);
• 1927 Tuke Holdsworth (IX — AP);
• 1933 Quinta do Cais Colheita, bottled 1988 (X — WPS);
• Paperwork: sticky labels, TN and voting pages;
• Planning and arrangements.

45% opacity, very clear red-amber. Lively fruity nose, applemint! Amazing balance, syrupy, gentle heat mid palate. Sweetness, amazing length. Very gentle bitterness in the finish, but lip-licking. Raisins.

Sourced by Phil Wakely, identified from the branding on the cork. Bronzed with age in colour, still heavily pigmented and 60% opaque. A slight touch of resin on the nose that is otherwise full of applemint and bruised apples. A wonderful texture on the palate with flavours in perfect balance. The refined and elegant palate delivers generous levels of fruit and even some soft tannins. There are so many layers and nuances of flavour which lead to an astonishing long finish of tobacco and sweet orange marmalade. This is an astonishing port, very close to being perfect. 98/100. 15-Dec-16. Decanted 1½ hour.