1983 Cockburn
Posted: 16:31 Mon 30 Jan 2012
I don't have many Cockburns in my cellar. Perhaps this owes, at least in part, to its rather unsavory name (when pronounced as an American male would tend to pronounce it, as if insulting a good friend 'you cockburn', etc).
Anyway, my experience with the 83 has led me thinking that this approach to port cellar management may require a revision.
This is a fabulous, balanced, long, and appropriately 'untucked' effort. Sadly, by about hour 4 or so the bottle was drained, so I cannot comment intelligently about the prospects of extended cellar time, but this was really a pleasant surprise. Not quite up to the 83 Grahams that I had the other week, but certainly deserving a place in the same discussion.
Color: 20% transparent / 80% opaque - with only slight watering towards the very rim of the sideways turned glass
Nose: A healthy amount of Lemon rind, some peppermint, some plums. Very Nice, and just a hint of spirit.
Palate: Great transitions -- this wine was about subtle balance.
Finish: Long and satisfying.
A full 90 points, and a wine I will actively seek out in upcoming auctions (paws off!)
As a general comment, while still young by the standards of my English friends, I have really been impressed with how the Class of 1983 is drinking at the moment. To me, primary fruit and balance are essential components of any truly remarkable port, and so far I have been encouraged with how these bottles have been delivering on both counts. Any other 83s (besides Graham and Fonseca) you would suggest?
Anyway, my experience with the 83 has led me thinking that this approach to port cellar management may require a revision.
This is a fabulous, balanced, long, and appropriately 'untucked' effort. Sadly, by about hour 4 or so the bottle was drained, so I cannot comment intelligently about the prospects of extended cellar time, but this was really a pleasant surprise. Not quite up to the 83 Grahams that I had the other week, but certainly deserving a place in the same discussion.
Color: 20% transparent / 80% opaque - with only slight watering towards the very rim of the sideways turned glass
Nose: A healthy amount of Lemon rind, some peppermint, some plums. Very Nice, and just a hint of spirit.
Palate: Great transitions -- this wine was about subtle balance.
Finish: Long and satisfying.
A full 90 points, and a wine I will actively seek out in upcoming auctions (paws off!)
As a general comment, while still young by the standards of my English friends, I have really been impressed with how the Class of 1983 is drinking at the moment. To me, primary fruit and balance are essential components of any truly remarkable port, and so far I have been encouraged with how these bottles have been delivering on both counts. Any other 83s (besides Graham and Fonseca) you would suggest?