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The night after the Niepoort tasting with Nick Delaforce, friends old and new met with Nick to drink some bottles that they brought. The venue was the Morning Star pub, Pottinger's Entry, Belfast, who found us about 80 glasses and served us with fine steaks.

The ports:

• 1960 Taylor (low fill) (Justin K)
• 1960 Taylor (high fill) (Justin K)
• 1967 Cockburn (Daniel J)
• 1970 Fonseca (Derek T)
• 1970 Gonzalez Byass (Julian W)
• 1977 Taylor (Alastair B)
• 1980 Niepoort (Nick D)

With dinner, we had some wine:

• 1988 Château d'Angludet (Derek T)
• 1983 Château Pontet-Canet (Justin K)
• 2010 Niepoort Redoma Tinto
• 2011 Niepoort Drink Me Tinto

Review of the evening
The placemats
The planning thread

Mid red-pink. A dark red velvety smell; but my nose was malfunctioning. In the mouth, smooth caramel at the front. Tobacco, lurking, almost lingering, in the background, a slight note that others didn't taste. This had an interesting 'turn' in the mouth, the aftertaste being quite distinct to the first impression. Very pleasant.

GB70. Dark red, 50% opaque. Rich, red-fruited, slightly dry. Consistent flavour from early to late palate.