From magnum (which appeared to be a magnum made to be used for the LBV bottling!). Deep red, 95% opaque. Red licorice dominates the nose, very sharp and youthful. Nicely balanced entry, lovely fruit with sweet plums and Christmas Pudding spices. Soft acidity and gentle dark chocolate tannins support the fruit. Dry aftertaste from the soft tannins, and a lovely long finish of fruit and dark chocolate. 88/100. 12 hour decant.
Top 2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
2026: DR Very Old White, Graham Stone Terraces 2011, Quevedo Branco 1986 b.2026
This bottle did a lot to restore my faith in T85, which I was beginning to think I might be over-stocked on.
Approaching maturity very nicely now, with good balance and composure. Possibly not a wine for old bones, but good current drinking for the next couple of decades I would guess.
The provision of a magnum, and the generous pours that permitted, was most welcome!
I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I shall be sober and you will still be ugly - W.S. Churchill
T85 (Magnum), brought by JDAW, decanted 7am. Dark red, 90% opaque. Only mid-weight, with heat early- mid- and late-palate. A gentle hint of roughness. And, between nose and mouth, in that it was smelt at the start of a sip, lavender. Lovely juice, and, da-ding!, we had twice as much of it.
