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A triple vertical of Gould Campbell, Smith Woodhouse and Quarles Harris, at the RAF Club on Thursday 17th November 2011, in honour of the 30th Birthday of the organiser. Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• Gould Campbell:
  • 1970,
  • 1977 single,
  • 1977 magnum,
  • 1980,
  • 1983,
  • 1985,
  • 1991,
  • 1994;
• Smith Woodhouse:
  • 1970,
  • 1977,
  • 1980,
  • 1983,
  • 1985,
  • 1991,
  • 1994;
• Quarles Harris:
  • 1970,
  • 1977,
  • 1980,
  • 1983,
  • 1985,
  • 1991,
  • 1994;
• The RAF Club;
• Planning and arrangements;
• Placemats, sort of.

GC80. Dark red, 100% opaque. Nose is stalky, with a high-toned something that could be mint. To taste sweet with heat. Finish very light, indeed, rather short.

It promises without delivering.

very dark red, towards black; very mouth filling rich taste. Black berried fruit, slight hint of bitterenss, very sweet; good aftertaste, quite long, comes accross still a bit restrained and closed; changed a lot in the glass and got better over time. A great port which needs more time.

Very dark red, still opaque. Sharp blackcurrant fruit showing nicely on the nose. Restrained fruit on entry with very pronounced tannins that dry out the cheeks and teeth. Mouthfilling aftertaste and a tannin dominated finish. Not such a great wine at the moment and it will be years before the tannins fade - will the fruit last long enough? 85/100.

Very dark colour with black fruits - very nice Port, but perhaps a little short in the finish.