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AHB was in town, and asked for company at The Bung Hole at a small blind tasting. DRT was in town, without port, so JDAW brought one for each. Later in the evening, we were randomly joined by two port novices, so a 10Y Otima was bought for comparative purposes.

Links:

• Review of evening as a whole;
• 1986 Graham Malvedos (=AHB);
• 1985 Taylor (=DRT, though known to JDAW);
• 1998 Taylor Vargellas (=JDAW);
• 10Y Warre Otima;
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

GM86, though blind to me, and decanted 8pm the previous day. Red-purple, 90% opaque. Nose had smoke and leather. Taste had the leather, though not the smoke, and lots of very dark fruit. Very long. Not old. AHB rightly said ‟sour cherries”.

I thought this young, and the leather note made me think of Gould Campbell. That’s ”“10 points for getting neither right.

Purchased ex-cellars in summer 2010. Dark red in colour, solid rim, still 99% opaque. Surprisingly little on the nose, a faint hint of strawberries and herbs but opens nicely in the glass to reveal dark chocolate and sour cherry. Sweet cherry fruit on the palate; gentle tannins which support the pronounced fruit. Lovely balance, terrific youthfulness and a promise of a long life ahead. Dry cheeks on the finish, long flavours of dark chocolate and tannins. 91/100.