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Charles declared an emergency, and we followed. At the Boot & Flogger, on Wednesday 22nd March 2017.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1970 Avery (CPR);
• 1977 Taylor (MPM One);
• 1963 Croft (MPM Two);
• 1960 Sandeman (TC);
• 1991 Morgan (AHB);
• 1974 Poças (SCD);
• 1967 Cockburn (JDAW);
• 1977 Offley († = Bob);
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

Pç74, decanted 13:00. Red-brown, 40% opaque. Nose had strawberries, and an acrid note. Palate started dry, and ended dry, with strawberries in between. Of middling weight. Good Port, but not great.

We were not very expert at guessing a Poças 1974.

Although I left my notes behind, I recall an important feature of this port which I must remember for the future. Pineapple on the palate, and perhaps a little grapefruit. The only other time I have had these flavours was tasting the Pocas 2011 at the BFT. I remember then thinking it was such a distinctive taste on the palate, and I bought a case for that reason. Sadly, on the night I didn't identify the pineapple in time to make a more educated guess on the shipper! Incorrectly guessed as D72, drawing on some intel about the provider of the bottle.

Dark copper-red colour, mature and gleaming appearance; 50% opaque. A lovely nose of stewed rhubarb and golden syrup, combining sharpness with aromatic qualities in a very positive way. A wonderful thick texture hits the palate when the first sip is taken; an amazingly concentrated palate brings sharp acidity counterpointed by intense rhubarb, lemon zest and brown sugar. So thick that even the late palate has the the texture of honey. The aftertaste and finish are languid and mellifluous, spreading bitter-sweet burnt sugar across the palate. Very, very impressive. Served blind, this was guessed to be Offley Boa Vista 1972. 95/100.