ThePortForum.com

Obvious suspects gathered in The Bung Hole, theoretically to quality-assure Tom’s new case of 1958 Delaforce, but really for good company and ports.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1958 Delaforce;
• 1958 Royal Oporto;
• 1970 Berry Bros & Rudd (Warre);
• 1970 Croft;
• 1970 Croft Quinta da Roeda;
• 1963 Borges & Irmão;
• Offley crusted, bottled 1965;
• 1985 Quinta do Sibio;
• 1978 Dow Quinta do Bomfim;
• 1979 Dow Quinta do Bomfim;
• 2010 Quinta do Vesuvio;
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

Df58. Red, 30% opaque. Nose had dirty red cherry. Taste rich, smooth, sweet. A hint of tartness, but lovely structure. Delicious port.

Appealing syrupy glycerol texture and an interesting good sweet-to-dry profile leading to a long angostura bitters finish. Enjoyable and intriguing, if not quite so moreish as some of the other ports i gave a lower rating. Not quite four stars, but v. good. THRA agreed a swap for some other port - i'll hold him to that! *** (89-90)

Slightly paler and more rosey coloured than the Royal Oporto shown alongside; 25% opaque. Empty nose showing very little, just some damp soil. Lightweight entry, very light and floral with a dirty cellar dust core. Dry on the palate, nutty port rather than fruity port. Hot and sharp aftertaste, with the alcohol dominating. Dry finish of modest length. Lighter and less flavoured than the Royal Oporto 1958. 84/100.