Warre II: The Battle of Wokingham

[DRT]

A regional conflict spawned from Warre II, 17th April 2010.

Attendees: SCP-DFW, AHB & DRT
Location: Chez Bridgi
Wines: Warre 1945, 1947, 1948, 1958, 1960, 1963, 1966, 1970, 1977, 1980 & 1983.(the 1955 and 1985 went M.I.A. on 17th April)

Due to a surplus of samples taken from the original conflict in Sussex, a second front was formed in Wokingham this evening at which 11 of the 13 wines were re-visited. The 45, 60, 66, 70, 77 and 80 were all found to be much improved at D+104hrs. The 45 and 66 are simply delicious, with the others in that group not far behind. The 47, 48 and 58 have gone downhill and did not benefit from the extended decant time. The 63 was OK but not great.

This was a very worthwhile exercise. A big thanks to SCP-DFW for a splendid Lasagne (with optional leaves) and to both SCP-DFW and AHB for putting me up for the night.

TNs will follow later.

Derek

[Alex Bridgeman]

I wasn't holding out much hope for the Warre samples at the age of 104 hours, but I was immensely surprised and pleased with what I encountered. I've also decided that a common characteristic of old Warres are the elegant, wonderful and very impressive finish. Tonight, with the extended decanting I ranked my favourites as the wines from 1945 (so much more complete than on Sunday; 94 pts), 1966 (93 pts), 1980 (a brutally young smokey monster that I swear is only 15 years old; 92 pts) and the 1977 and 1983 (both on 90 pts but very different in maturity). The 1947 and 1948 are wonderful elegant drinking and I would be so happy to open a bottle and just gently sip my way through them.

Ahhh. What a nice way to spend a school night. More detailed tasting notes will follow at some point.

[jdaw1]

Agreed: old Warre needs lots of decanting.

W45: !

!

The following day a far better wine. Flavours of orange and a hint of mint, but much fuller, richer and more unctuous. On day of decanting I thought this weak and faded; but on the second day a very fine port. The mouthfeel much larger and fuller, though the fruit still gone.