1935 Cockburn

[jdaw1]

Part of the large vertical of Cockburn which was held in The Crusting Pipe on Wednesday 8th October 2008. Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 189? Unknown, thought to be Taylor;
• 1908 Cockburn;
• 1912 Cockburn;
• 1924 Unknown;
• 1927 Cockburn;
• 1935 Cockburn (served to left side of table);
• 1935 Cockburn (served to right side of table);
• 1947 Cockburn;
• 1950 Cockburn;
• 1955 Cockburn;
• 1960 Cockburn;
• 1963 Cockburn;
• 1967 Cockburn;
• 1970 Cockburn;
• 1975 Cockburn;
• 1977 Cockburn (unofficial bottling);
• 1983 Cockburn;
• 1985 Cockburn;
• 1991 Cockburn;
• 1994 Cockburn;
• 1997 Cockburn;
• 2000 Cockburn;
• 2003 Cockburn;
• 2007 Cockburn cask sample (Touriga Nacional);
• 2007 Cockburn cask sample (Touriga Franca);
• Planning and arrangements;
• Placemats.

[jdaw1]

As we were unable to procure a 750ml bottle of Cockburn 1935, two halves were served. One, this, was given to those on the left side of the table (as seen from the only entrance to the tunnel); the other to those on the right.

Alas I, and perhaps others, failed to record which half went to which side, so we now don’t know which way round the pictures of the halves belong. This error is regretted.

[jdaw1]

One of the half bottles of Cockburn 1935.

[jdaw1]

The cork from the above bottle:

[jdaw1]

One of the half bottles of Cockburn 1935.

[jdaw1]

The cork from the above bottle:

[jdaw1]

1935 Cockburn (left side): “again, nice red†, nosing of “roses and flowers†. Hot. Also spice. Full in the mouth, with lots of spice. A fainter version of the ’12. Much less fruit than the right-side ’35.

[DRT]

Thinner with more heat and spice than the half served to the right hand side of the table.

[jdaw1]

Miguel Côrte-Real sent AHB some of his own notes on the various vintages, some obviously drafted in advance, some from the day itself.

1935

Generic Information
The year of '34 as well as '35 produced excellent vintages. There was some discussions. Some declared '34 (Martinez, Noval, Dow) and others the '35 (Cockburn's, Taylor, Graham). I think the one who did it right was Sandeman because, against the normal rule, they declared both

Year/Viticulture
Production of '35 was smaller than '34 but, as far as we know, the climate conditions were very similar.

A dry winter, the spring frost has prevented many bunches from setting; particularly Touriga grapes (E. Cockburn)

Tasting Notes
1934s are considered to have a better structure; but the '35s are soft, elegant, with lots of finesse and more refined than the '34s. Lots of balance and harmony compensates the lack of structure.

Other
Very fruity and floral, with an obvious fig and pomegranate quality. Soft and elegant, it's quite dry for a vintage port though with a rich, long finish. (L.Murphy)

Last minute notes
Very light and delicate. Less colour than 1912! Very spicy. Lots of finesse.

MC-R notes
8.5/10