1985 Graham
Posted: 23:49 Thu 08 Feb 2018
I have had a few 85s recently which I thought had been going through an awkward phase, Warre, Dow and Sandeman, so I thought I would check in on this, one of my favourites.
Good colour, clear and bright, dark, but not in the first flush of youth, the meniscus is fading at the rim but not too brown or pale. The nose is muted, a little waxy, a bit of blackcurrant. It may do better with more air, it has now been open for about six hours, stoppered in a cool place. The palate is lovely. I know this sounds trite but it is. Initially it tastes quite simple, smooth and glossy. Plenty of fruit at the front and a good bump of tannin in behind. The tannins seem ripe and well integrated. Very good length and evolution on the palate. It still reminds me most of wild blackberries, in the way they add a floral note to a blackberry and apple crumble. Good port, no rush to drink this but a reasonable argument could be made for why wait? I shall certainly try and wait some more. 94 points.
Good colour, clear and bright, dark, but not in the first flush of youth, the meniscus is fading at the rim but not too brown or pale. The nose is muted, a little waxy, a bit of blackcurrant. It may do better with more air, it has now been open for about six hours, stoppered in a cool place. The palate is lovely. I know this sounds trite but it is. Initially it tastes quite simple, smooth and glossy. Plenty of fruit at the front and a good bump of tannin in behind. The tannins seem ripe and well integrated. Very good length and evolution on the palate. It still reminds me most of wild blackberries, in the way they add a floral note to a blackberry and apple crumble. Good port, no rush to drink this but a reasonable argument could be made for why wait? I shall certainly try and wait some more. 94 points.