1963 Graham

[Alex Bridgeman]

From a bottle opened in sympathy with the fellow TPF members meeting at The Crusting Pipe on a night when I was not able to join them.

A bottle that was ullaged to mid-shoulder. A beautiful colour; red, but almost a deep burnt sienna; crystal clear. Open and inviting nose, full of of dusty candied cherries, with a gorgeous tobacco to it. Worth sniffing and smelling for ages; tantalising and teasing for what will come with that first sip. The first sip shows slightly burnt sugar at first, which opens and grows in an amazing way. This is rich and deep, full of power and presence but with a fabulous balance. There is a massive spiciness underlying all the sweet, secondary fruit but it is the fruit that dominates. Tannins are almost fully resolved but just give a little support to the structure. The aftertaste is monumental; mouthfilling and over 2 minutes in length; full of red licorice and maraschino cherry.

This is an absolutely amazing port, and one of the best bottles of 1963 Graham I have had for a long time. Perhaps the 14 hour decant was the crucial key to revealing such a great showing. 96/100. Drunk 6 February 2011.

[RAYC]

I would have paid for your train fare if I had known you were opening that little chestnut.

Or at least suggested moving the offline to Berkshire!