1983 Dow

[rich_n]

An informal pre-Christmas tasting of ports with the theme "A bottle of port which cost you less than £25", as suggested by winesecretary and organised (with plenty of help from others) by richn.

Links:

• Review of the event as a whole
• Tasting notes:
  • 2001 Warre Quinta da Cavadinha
  • 1970 Martinez (CPR) (2 bottles were present)
  • 1970 Martinez (GEAG) (2 bottles were present)
  • 1977 Royal Oporto Quinta Do Corval
  • 1983 Dow
  • 1994 Tesco
  • 1970 Butler Nephew
  • 1997 Gould Campbell
• Placemats (and in the list of placemats);
• Planning and arrangements.

[rich_n]

Not much on the nose. Soft fruits on the front of the palate. Quite tannic and rather peppery, enjoyably so. Good.

[winesecretary]

Very pale, 30% opaque. Palate of garrigue, with red liquorice and chocolate on the finish. The slightly dumb nose led me to question whether it was a perfect bottle, but in fact it was good, and enjoyable enough to be #3 WOTN. Might even have benefitted from a longer decant.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Very lightly pigmented, gentle rose red; 40% opaque. Slightly closed on the nose, a soft raspberry jelly. Wonderful smooth entry with delicious strawberry jelly; a lovely elegance and a nice tannic structure (with tannins which are dry, pronounced and deliciously integrated). Light and elegant thyme and cranberry finish, huge in volume, moving to a wonderful liquorice root and pine resin finish. This is a delicious bottle. 91/100. Tasted 17-Dec-19. Decanted 13 hours.

[flash_uk]

40% oapcity, warm red, amber rim. Nose has drying fruit. Smooth entry then dryness on the palate, dried fruit, leather notes, liquorice, thyme.