G77, aka MPM1, decanted 07:00. Colour bright rose red. Palate mid-weight with cherry, and slightly simple. The experts disagreed about whether it was corked.
The red of a port in its mid-maturity; 40% opaque. Sweet redcurrant cordial nose, infused with cornflowers. Sweet, cordial-like entry but the mid-palate is full of lively and sweet fruit. Still quite youthful with soft acidity and lively tannins. Surprisingly sweet and with powerful acidity this has a real "shiraz wine" element to the late palate. The aftertaste is big and spicy and mouth filling; the finish is long. This is a lovely port in early maturity and with lots of potential. Served blind this was guessed to be Warre 1994. 89/100.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.