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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.

SW80. Red, 90% opaque. Nosing of lemon grass and cherry. To taste light, with heat, and with lemon. Too light. Though thin, long and very pleasant.

very dark red, spicy on the nose, somehow lemon grassy, green beans, really tasty, very elegant port, very long aftertaste, good structure and balance. Overall a very good port!

Dark red, 99% opaque. Quite closed on the nose, with a touch of rhubarb and brambles. Modest fruit on entry, but plenty of structure from the gentle tannins. Fruit builds up nicely, but is held in check by the acidity and tannins. A serious palate, but lacks just a little fruit. Empty aftertaste and a dry finish that has a woody fruitiness to it. This would certainly benefit from a few more years in the cellar. 88/100.

Very dark - red liquorice on the palate with a slightly hollow finish.