On Tuesday 8th November 2011, in The Steak Exchange EC2A 2EH, friends gathered to note the return to London of jdaw1, and the recent birth of his second daughter. The theme was ‟Port With Star Quality”, with appropriately themed placemats.
G63 from THRA: red-pink, 30% opaque. Nose has red fruit, though not very berry-like, and artificial sugar. To taste medium size, lovely lovely texture, very long. Heat mid- to late-palate. ‟Not huge, but very fine.”
Stock sourced from the Unwins liquidation sale. Burnished orange in colour, with a rose rim. A touch of burnt toffee of the nose with some harshness and some fruit. Sweet entry, with unusual almond shortbread; strengthening acidity supports the flavours. Very sweet fruit, although a bit lighter than usual. Some roughness on the palate, with light and dusty tannins. Air and work releases generous sweet fruit. A hot burst on the aftertaste, then a long and delicious finish of great length. There are hints of what this wine should deliver on the finish, but the nose and palate are disappointingly harsh. 89/100.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.