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Served blind at this off-line at the Crusting Pipe, London, on 9th March 2010.

The ports:

• Croft 1982
• Croft 2000
• Croft 1985 x2*
• Niepoort 2003
• Taylor 1980*
• Taylor Quinta da Terra Feita 1986
• Warre 1970
• Warre 1977
• Warre 1983

Wines marked "*" were purchase on the night at TCP due to a world record consumption of 1 bottle each in less than 2 hours, which included dinner

Light red with a slightly stinky nose. A good mid-weight but a little hot but with nice red fruits. The finish was mouth-numbingly minty.

The guesses:

• DJP: Graham 1970 (0 points)
• RLC: Vargellas 1989 (0 points)
• WS1: brought this bottle (0 points)
• CSD: no guess recorded (0 points)
• AHB: Ferreira 1970 (0 points)
• DRT: 1970 (0 points)
• MKD: no guess recorded (0 points)

Group score: 0/12

Lovely and light, my wine of the night (just).

I liked this at the outset of the tasting, putting it initially third behind the 83 and the 86. Pretty light and fruity in the mouth, like drinking a 22 year old blond cheerleader from Kansas. Not going to change the way you understand quantum mechanics, but still manages to entertain you, for at least a little while. In time, like the cheerleader, the lack of complexity wears on you a bit. 85

Chris Doty wrote:In time, like the cheerleader, the lack of complexity wears on you a bit. 85

I loveyour analogies! From the Beatles to Chipmonks to Cheerleaders!

I also liked the Croft 1982. Had a subtle sweetness with red fruits. Silky texture and had a nice touch of secundary flavours/aromas I could not put words on. Light in colour, good mature Vintage Port for drinking now

DRT wrote:Light red with a slightly stinky nose. A good mid-weight but a little hot but with nice red fruits. The finish was mouth-numbingly minty.

The guesses:

• DJP: Graham 1970 (0 points)
• RLC: Vargellas 1989 (0 points)
• WS1: brought this bottle (0 points)
• CSD: no guess recorded (0 points)
• AHB: Ferreira 1970 (0 points)
• DRT: 1970 (0 points)
• MKD: no guess recorded (0 points)

Group score: 0/12

I protest! I guessed that this was a Ferreira 1982. You should remember this because Wolfgang immediately confirmed the vintage...

AHB wrote:

DRT wrote:Light red with a slightly stinky nose. A good mid-weight but a little hot but with nice red fruits. The finish was mouth-numbingly minty.

The guesses:

• DJP: Graham 1970 (0 points)
• RLC: Vargellas 1989 (0 points)
• WS1: brought this bottle (0 points)
• CSD: no guess recorded (0 points)
• AHB: Ferreira 1970 (0 points)
• DRT: 1970 (0 points)
• MKD: no guess recorded (0 points)

Group score: 0/12

I protest! I guessed that this was a Ferreira 1982. You should remember this because Wolfgang immediately confirmed the vintage...

Rugby rules apply: AHB has been sent to the sin-bin for arguing with the referee

Doesn't stop me from being right and the ref from being yet another example of horribly biased decision making intent on following his own agenda and interpretation of the rules rather than there to help the flow of the game. There were 12 other people sitting round the table and they know the truth of what went on. One day, one of them will write their memoirs and then all will be revealed.

That's it. Three match ban for AHB for dissent.

In accordance with Rule 56b I am under no obligation to explain my decision and AHB has no right of appeal.

DRT wrote:In accordance with Rule 56b I am under no obligation to explain my decision and AHB has no right of appeal.

See what I mean? Rule 56b was deleted months ago because of its frequent and blatant abuse by egotistical referees. What happens? The ref ignores the fact that it's been deleted since he wants to use it.

Please relegate these last few posts to meaningless drivel - they are certainly NOT relevant to a Croft 1982 tasting note!