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Am ‘emergency’ tasting, chez jdaw1, starting at 4:30pm Saturday 3rd January 2009. Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1970 Fonseca;
• 1985 Fonseca;
• 1983 Dow;
• 1985 Dow;
• 1985 Noval;
• 1985 Cálem;
• 1994 Cálem;
• 1989½Â±4½ Cálem;
• Planning and arrangements, such as they were;
• Placemats.

1985 Dow: as with the Dow 1983, the Dow 1985 is slightly translucent, though an edge lighter than the older sibling. Nosing of cherries, then melon, the latter subsequently confirmed by others. The taste still somewhat closed, and confounded by a stewed funk. If previous TNs have been correct, thirty hours decanting was too little, and it will be better tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to returning to this one to see how it opens up. Again, color a translucent medium red, the nose was very closed, with hints of plummy fruit. The flavors were slightly sweeter and fuller, with hints of blueberry. In keeping with the 'vinegar' theme, if the 83 Dow reminded me of apple cider vinegar, the 85 reminds me of balsamic. But it is definitely very closed and a little more tannic right now than the 83.

The following day, so after 54 hours in the decanter, Dow 1985 the same colour, and not a lot of nose, with menthol. To taste lovely. Long mouth-filling sweetness. The funk all gone, a little heat on tongue. Lovely. D85 really needs this long in the decanter at room temperature too. Excellent port.