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A theme suggested by Flash: the ‘Sweet-Spot Vintages’, being 1966, 1970, and 1977, in each of Dow, Graham, Taylor, and Warre. So on Wednesday 17^th June 2015 we gathered at Davy’s Woolgate.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• ◊ Dow 1966; ◊ Graham 1966; ◊ Taylor 1966; ◊ Warre 1966;
  ◊ Dow 1970; ◊ Graham 1970; ◊ Taylor 1970; ◊ Warre 1970;
  ◊ Dow 1977; ◊ Graham 1977; ◊ Taylor 1977; ◊ Warre 1977;
  ◊ Sandeman Cask 33; ◊ Sandeman 1977; ◊ Cockburn 1967; ◊ 2013 Sandeman Quinta do Seixo; ◊ Fonseca 1966;
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Food order;
• Planning and arrangements.

D70 (originally ‘II’). Glorious red, 50% opaque. Funky nose. bacterial. Later the nose cleared up such that the Port could be tasted, when dry, spearmint, and black fruit.

The stash of D70s from which this came had previously shown well. So this was disappointing.

Bottled by Courtenay Wines (International) Ltd of London NW11. Deep red colour with a dark red centre, 60% opaque. Fresh on the nose with a touch of antiseptic - possibly spoiled. Young on the palate, fresh and youthful. Gentle tannins in the strawberry jam but there is also a bit of harshness. A big palate presence turns into a harsh and acidic aftertaste, then a jelly baby and coffee finish that slowly changes into a fading woodiness. This was served blind and guessed to be Taylor 1977. 87/100.