NV Calem 1989 and 1994 Blend
NV Calem 1989 and 1994 Blend
Am ‘emergency’ tasting, chez jdaw1, starting at 4:30pm Saturday 3rd January 2009. Links:
Re: 1989½Â±4½ Cálem
So the 1985 Cálem was orange, and tasted too old. The 1994 was black, and too young. Both were very short. So we tried the 50:50 blend.
And the 1989½Â±4½ Cálem was so much better. Described by EricD as a ‟reserve vintage character”, it had far superior balance and length. Still very dark retaining most of the colour of the 1994 smooth and soft. Much longer than either component, with a hint of heat at the end. The best way to drink the Cálems.
Later the blend’s nose had acquired a hint of stink, though the taste still better than either constituent.
And the 1989½Â±4½ Cálem was so much better. Described by EricD as a ‟reserve vintage character”, it had far superior balance and length. Still very dark retaining most of the colour of the 1994 smooth and soft. Much longer than either component, with a hint of heat at the end. The best way to drink the Cálems.
Later the blend’s nose had acquired a hint of stink, though the taste still better than either constituent.
Re: 1989½Â±4½ Cálem
1989½Â±4½ Cálem: This was a stroke of genius on JDAW's part. The blending experiment was remarkably successful. Intense, rich fruit with a long finish, sweet and fruity. A bit of subtle smokiness on the finish, and Eric T suggested watermelon. The Cálem blend was my second favorite port of the evening, beat out only by the Fonseca 1970.
Re: 1989½Â±4½ Cálem
1989½Â±4½ Cálem: the following day, with Eric D, all I wrote was ‟So much bigger than the pieces. And longer than the pieces.” I recall it being better on the first day, but even on the second a worthwhile blend. Eric D suggested buying both parts so that his house port could be the blend.