1983 Warre

[DRT]

Served blind at this off-line at the Crusting Pipe, London, on 9th March 2010.

The ports:

• Croft 1982
• Croft 2000
• Croft 1985 x2*
• Niepoort 2003
• Taylor 1980*
• Taylor Quinta da Terra Feita 1986
• Warre 1970
• Warre 1977
• Warre 1983

Wines marked "*" were purchase on the night at TCP due to a world record consumption of 1 bottle each in less than 2 hours, which included dinner

[angeleyes]

Notes left at the table.

From memory- good balance, medium body and good length. Cherries I think.

[DRT]

A lovely dark but translucent red. Big cherry truffle and dark chocolate flavours with a long and complex finish.

The guesses:

• DJP: Warre 1985 (0 points)
• RLC: Vargellas 1986 (0 points)
• WS1: Fonseca 1985 (0 points)
• CSD: Graham 1980 (0 points)
• AHB: Taylor 1985 (0 points)
• DRT: Smith Woodhouse 1985 (0 points)
• MKD: brought this bottle (0 points)

Group score: 0/12

[Alex Bridgeman]

Deep red in colour with a centre that is just transparent. Slightly closed on the nose, but swirling brings out a lovely, dusty cherry juice. Velvety texture on entry; youthful but mature and with great development on the palate. Tannins virtually integrated, but a lovely acidic structure but a texture which turns slightly watery on the palate. A quick flash of heat on swallowing, followed by a long and spicy or peppery finish. An impressive and pretty big port. 89/100. Drunk 9 March 2010.

[Chris Doty]

This was my wine of the night for drinking today. Pretty classic port nose of sticky cherries, mixed with just a bit of burnt sugar.
Well balanced and mature in the mouth, with everything right where it should be. Not very thought provoking or evocative, but very tasty and in an excellent place on this evening. 89+