An informal pre-Christmas tasting of ports with the theme "A bottle of port which cost you less than £25" at The Boot & Flogger, theme suggested by winesecretary and organised (with plenty of help from others) by richn.
George's bottle: Candy and light red fruit on the nose. Eucalyptus and tart berries on the palate. Liquorice in the back of the mouth and quite a spirity finish. V Good.
Browning at the rim. Pale, looks old in this company [which I later found included two other 1970s]. Pretty, high toned, nose. Luscious on the mid palate. Long warming finish. Good, but in my (and the room's) view Charles's bottle was rather better.
The second UK bottled bottle of Martinez 1970 at this tasting. Mature and evolved appearance; 40% opaque. Gentle and dusty nose with pungent but soapy fruit. Nicely balanced on the palate with plenty of acidity and a delightful thick texture. Coffee shows in the redcurrant syrup on the mid palate, and a lively acidity keeps the late palate clean. Air on the palate dries the wine and highlights the tannins which remain. Thick and wonderful aftertaste with some heat showing before a thick red jelly finish. Persistent finish. The wine has an attractive palate, but is let down by the nose.
90/100. Tasted 17-Dec-19. Decanted 23 hours.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
