1980 Dow

[flash_uk]

We gathered to see how the ports of five major houses from the early 80s were faring.

Links:

• Review of the event;
• ◊ Dow 1980; ◊ Warre 1980; ◊ Graham 1980; ◊ Fonseca 1980; ◊ Taylor 1980;
• ◊ Dow 1983; ◊ Warre 1983; ◊ Graham 1983; ◊ Fonseca 1983; ◊ Taylor 1983;
• ◊ Dow 1985; ◊ Warre 1985; ◊ Graham 1985; ◊ Fonseca 1985; ◊ Taylor 1985;
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Food order;
• Planning and arrangements;

[flash_uk]

65% opacity, dark red. Pepper on the nose. Rich, full, balanced, dark black fruits, hints of tobacco and leather. More to come from this port.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Deep red with little bricking, 80% opaque. Lovely nose, complex and with multiple layers of sweet fruit and mace cut with a streak of rhubarb. Smooth, gorgeous texture; lots of fruit on the palate backed by gentle dry tannins. A lovely structure, mature but with a few caramel notes adding complexity. A delicious aftertaste and a very long black licorice finish of immense length that lasts several minutes. Still surprisingly youthful this is a wonderful port. 92/100.

[jdaw1]

D80. Red-red-pink, 60% opaque. Nose of dark cherry. Palate dry, indeed, too dry. Indeed, so dry it’s hollow. Some, but only little, red fruit.