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On Thursday 13^th December 2012 a subset of the obvious suspects gathered at the Bell, Wendens Ambo CB11 4JY, to taste some treasures.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1830 Sherry (#1);
• 1942 Rebello Valente (#2, JDAW, from THRA);
• 1945 Dow (#3, RAYC);
• Cockburn Crusted, bottled 1928 by Avery’s (#4);
• 1922 Sandeman? (#5, WS);
• Unknown perhaps Croft 1912 (#6, CMAG);
• 1927 Taylor (#7);
• 40 year old Santa Eufemia White Tawny (#8);
• Penfolds Great-Grandfather Tawny (#9);
• 1931 Ramos Pinto (#10, AP);
• 1927 Croft (#11, PW);
• 1927 Taylor (#12, AHB);
• Unknown perhaps a very old colheita (#15, CMAG);
• Niepoort VV, 2012 bottling (#16, DN);
• ‘Placemats’, meaning TN sheets and sticky labels, and the parameters used in their construction;
• Planning and arrangements.

Previously at the Bell: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

Bottled by Avery's. Modest red in the centre, with a burnt orange rim; 50% opaque. Slightly hollow nose, but showing some pleasant fruit offset by a strong sharpness. Sweet and fruity on the palate, a shade lighter than some of the other wines being tasted at this offline. There is also some bitterness at the heart of the palate flavours - a very tart cranberry. A big flash of flavour on the aftertaste, then a long and flavoursome finish of orange and marmalade. 93/100

Cockburn Crusted bott 1928. Pleasant brown, 30% opaque. Nose aged tawny, with brown sugar. Taste ruby, hint of bitterness. No more time needed, but is has lasted well. AP: ‟herbs in background”.