The Horizontal of 1970s, definite article, was held over two days and five flights, Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October 2025, at the Boot & Flogger, as organised by Mike who was assisted by Julian.
1970 Rebello Valente. Mature brick red, 50% opaque. Surprisingly restrained on the nose showing a little bruised and battered red fruit. Initially very lightweight on the palate but the fruit shows well in the mid- and late palate. Bright and fresh redcurrant and whitecurrant on the aftertaste and an impressive length of currant fruit on the finish. In the end, this was much better than I was expecting. 86/100. Oporto bottled. Double decanted 8 hours.
Top Ports in 2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
[Sample taken on night and consumed on 13/10/25] Orange rim. Attractive if faded nose of candied citrus. Palate soft and rich and sweet but has a slightly odd bitter herbal note towards the finish. Nice warming after- note with some dried unsulphured apricot. Drinkable with some, but not a lot of, pleasure.