How long to decant?

[JAC]

I have a bottle of '83 Dow that needs drinking. Anyone have any thoughts on how long that should sit in the decanter?

[Alex Bridgeman]

I'd give '83 Dow 6-8 hours - it's a fabulous port. Hope you enjoy it.

[PhilW]

Agree, absolute minimum 4hr, ideally 6-12hr.

[DRT]

I have a bottle of '83 Dow that needs drinking.

I am interested to know why you think it needs drinking? Is this for the very understandable reason that you need to drink it just because you want to or is there something about its condition that suggests it should not be kept much longer?

This is not just idle questioning - your answer might influence the advice you receive on decanting time.

[idj123]

Not a response but the same question only with regards to a 1945 Taylor's VP I'm planning to open at my forthcomimg nuptials next month-similar decant time or longer?

[jdaw1]

a 1945 Taylor's VP I'm planning to open at my forthcomimg nuptials

International crisis! My invitation has been mislaid. Please resend.

PS: three to four hours. I’ll help decant.

[DRT]

a 1945 Taylor's VP I'm planning to open at my forthcomimg nuptials

International crisis! My invitation has been mislaid. Please resend.

PS: three to four hours. I’ll help decant.

Let me introduce myself. I am jdaw1's +1 for occasions such as this.

Three to four hours sounds ideal to me for a well stored and good looking T45. If it is in any way compromised you should consider a shorter decant.

[idj123]

Thank-you gentlemen, I'll put you down as first reserves lest anyone drops out!

[JAC]

I have a bottle of '83 Dow that needs drinking.

I am interested to know why you think it needs drinking? Is this for the very understandable reason that you need to drink it just because you want to or is there something about its condition that suggests it should not be kept much longer?

This is not just idle questioning - your answer might influence the advice you receive on decanting time.

Nothing obviously wrong with the bottle. I have limited storage space, and a dozen half bottles of 1991 Fonseca Guimaraens on the way. Something had to go, and the 83 Dow's number was up. An '83 Smith-Woodhouse is next up on the block. Would that take a similar decant time?

[DRT]

a dozen half bottles of 1991 Fonseca Guimaraens on the way. Something had to go

A perfectly valid reason for...

I have a bottle of '83 Dow that needs drinking.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Nothing obviously wrong with the bottle. I have limited storage space, and a dozen half bottles of 1991 Fonseca Guimaraens on the way. Something had to go, and the 83 Dow's number was up. An '83 Smith-Woodhouse is next up on the block. Would that take a similar decant time?

I'd give the Smith Woodhouse a little longer in the decanter than the Dow...but I'd also very happily open the FG91. I had one a few weeks ago and it was delicious!

[griff]

Nothing obviously wrong with the bottle. I have limited storage space, and a dozen half bottles of 1991 Fonseca Guimaraens on the way. Something had to go, and the 83 Dow's number was up. An '83 Smith-Woodhouse is next up on the block. Would that take a similar decant time?

I'd give the Smith Woodhouse a little longer in the decanter than the Dow...but I'd also very happily open the FG91. I had one a few weeks ago and it was delicious!

+3 and more than likely +4 next week