1977 Cockburn

[PopulusTremula]

Having been remiss in my port drinking of late, a bottle of Ck77 was offered like a paschal lamb. Decanting revealed (i) remnants of the old cork prior to recorking, (ii) a very pale port of approx. 30 % opacity, (iii) large flaky sediment on the subsequent rinse and most promisingly, (iv) an inviting floral nose with caramel but thankfully no hint of VA or other flaws.

This port lacks the unctuousness and silky mouthfeel of top notch ports and it has a slight bitter finish combined with the heat found in many ports from this year. That said, it is very much alive and delivers the above notes of flowers and caramel but perhaps also marzipan. I quite like the bitter note as it keeps it from ever becoming cloying. Very good length.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable glass of port and i would not hesitate to give this a very solid 89 points.

[LGTrotter]

Curious that you found bits of the previous cork in the bottle. Was it a chunk of cork, or just a few bits? Your note sounds in line with the other tasting notes listed, which pleases me greatly as I have an affection for the medium weight Cockburn style. It always seems a pity that this style of port never attracts the critical acclaim that 'bigger' ports do. Though I should be grateful, as it keeps them a bit below the radar.

[PopulusTremula]

It was definitely a chunk of cork. The cork I pulled came out completely intact and had not been in long enough to acquire any stain or colouration.