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On Tuesday 11th October 2011, at the RAF Club, was held a ‘square’ tasting of {Dow, Fonseca, Graham, Taylor} × {1963, 1966, 1970, 1977}. Our honoured guest was Cynthia Jenson, official blogger to the Symingtons.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1963: Graham, Dow, Fonseca, Taylor;
• 1966: Graham, Dow, Fonseca, Taylor;
• 1970: Graham, Dow, Fonseca, Taylor;
• 1977: Graham, Dow, Fonseca, Taylor;
• Planning and arrangements;
• Placemats.

Before being unblinded F63 was ‟c63”.

c63, lated identified as F63: Brown, 50% opaque. Nose very sweet, brown sugar, and pleasantly madeirised. Heat, early. Oxidised, with lots of brown sugar. The aging reminded me of a Bg63: is this how 1963s die?

First time trying this port. Have heard big things, but this didn't quite live up. If i hadn't known this was a '63, I don't think i'd have picked it as a '63, especially not a blockbuster '63. But nice, soft, mature drinking - certainly nothing to complain about (unless, maybe, you'd just purchased it at retail price). I hope this was atypical, because i would love to try the bottle everyone raves about. Still good though, ***+

Light to medium colour (typical 63), slightly sweeter on the nose and slightly acidic; overall good, but perhaps not as good as it should have been; longer decant needed maybe? good.

would one compare it to the fonseca 1980 ?

Reddish orange colour, with a pale rose rim, 30% opaque. Initially this shows a slightly off nose, but opens up further to become a little more attractive although it remains a touch sharp. Balanced entry, but sharply acidic on the palate. Full in flavour, but very dry. Dry aftertaste, that is very long and is the best feature of this port.. Served blind and guessed to be the Dow. 86/100.