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At the generous instigation of Alex B.: “Please, no-one bring anything except where I have asked for help. This is supposed to be a cellar reduction party so I am happy to supply various bottles for us to share. A handful of people know some of what will be brought, but I'll serve all bottles blind.”

So we went to a Helen-less Bung Hole to meet Amy — who had just left for the day. (No problem: we met her two days later.)

Links:

• Review of the event as a whole;
• 1985 Graham (1);
• 1963 Offley magnum (2);
• 1985 Fonseca (3);
• 1985 Taylor (4);
• 1972 Offley (5);
• 1970 Graham magnum (6);
• 1985 Churchill (7);
• 1995 Quinta do Noval (11);
• Cockburn Fine Old Ruby believed to have been bottled in the 1940s (12);
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Planning and arrangements.

G85. Red to dark red, 70% opaque. Palate had dark fruits, especially plum, and some heat. Weight middling.

I was mis-led by the colour into thinking Dow 1980.

Mature red colour but still with some signs of youth. Attractive nose of dusty, cherry fruit although slightly harsh with the alcohol showing prominently. Soft entry, with lovely fruit flavours and a delightful texture. Absolutely delicious palate with gentle tannins giving soft support to the attractive structure. A sweet strawberry aftertaste and a fruit focused finish. This is a very pleasant port, albeit slightly jammy. 90/100. Drunk 26-Aug-14. 12 hour decant.