1980 Dow

[JacobH]

Tasted at a Decanter organised tasting called A Half Century of Superlative Port at the Landmark Hotel, London, on the 14th November 2010 with Johnny and Paul Symington.

Tasting Notes:
Graham 1955
Warre 1960
Graham 1963
Dow 1966
Graham 1970
Dow 1980
Graham 1994
Warre 1997
Dow 2000
Graham 2007
Dow 2007
Warre 2007

General Thoughts

[JacobH]

Although darker than the 1994 and 1997, this wasn't the monster that I usually think it to be: lovely mellow fruit on the nose. In the mouth, quite tannic, with an appealing dry complexity.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Ex-cellars. Deep red, 90% opaque, looking more forward than recent bottles. Gorgeous nose, massive; full of blood oranges and violet creams. Restrained on entry; fruity but with clear tannins. Patience on the palate allows the sweet violet and bramble fruit to dominate. Violets on the aftertaste - perhaps a touch hot from the acidity - but this fades to allow a fruit infused chocolate to linger and stay. Fabulous port which is just starting to reach its drinking plateau at 30 years of age. 93/100. Drunk 14 November 2010 after 6 hours decanting.