Thu 17th January - The Dow Magnum Vertical
Posted: 09:37 Fri 25 Jan 2013
On Thursday 17th January, 13 people gathered around the table in the private room at The Bunghole with 6 magnums of Dow vintage port to share. There was a magnum from each of the vintages of 1994, 1985, 1980, 1977, 1970 and 1963.
It was a relaxed and informal event, with some racing through the line-up and finishing the tasting quickly before dinner and others (OK, I admit, it was me) having to finish the tasting after dinner. Also after dinner there were a handful of extra bottles, these bring a magnum of Warre 1985, a Smith Woodhouse 1986 LBV (served blind), a couple of experimental ports and an Offley Boa Vista 2000.
The Smith Woodhouse was served blind and everyone asked to guess what they thought it was. Guesses were quite varied, being:
Cockburn 1963
Cockburn 1970
Dow 1963
Dow 1966
Dow Bomfim 1968
Dow 1983
Martinez 1967
Sandeman 1967
Sandeman 1982
Unknown 1966
Given the company this port was served in, I thought it showed very well and none of the guesses seemed to indicate that people failed to enjoy this port. A good showing for a bottle matured LBV with some decent time in the bottle.
As is usual, the Bung Hole (Davy's Holborn Bar and Grill) looked after us well, with excellent food and good service. No doubt we will be back soon.
Links will be added shortly.
(PS - Magnus, I have your tasting notes. Let me know if you would like me to scan them and email them to you.)
It was a relaxed and informal event, with some racing through the line-up and finishing the tasting quickly before dinner and others (OK, I admit, it was me) having to finish the tasting after dinner. Also after dinner there were a handful of extra bottles, these bring a magnum of Warre 1985, a Smith Woodhouse 1986 LBV (served blind), a couple of experimental ports and an Offley Boa Vista 2000.
The Smith Woodhouse was served blind and everyone asked to guess what they thought it was. Guesses were quite varied, being:
Cockburn 1963
Cockburn 1970
Dow 1963
Dow 1966
Dow Bomfim 1968
Dow 1983
Martinez 1967
Sandeman 1967
Sandeman 1982
Unknown 1966
Given the company this port was served in, I thought it showed very well and none of the guesses seemed to indicate that people failed to enjoy this port. A good showing for a bottle matured LBV with some decent time in the bottle.
As is usual, the Bung Hole (Davy's Holborn Bar and Grill) looked after us well, with excellent food and good service. No doubt we will be back soon.
Links will be added shortly.
(PS - Magnus, I have your tasting notes. Let me know if you would like me to scan them and email them to you.)