1983 Offley

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 12:42 Fri 21 Sep 2007

1983 Offley Boa Vista Vintage Port
I have a large quantity of these, yet it is 18 months since I last popped one.

Sound bottle with good level, but very bin soiled.

Decanted a few minutes ago - very dark for it's age. Average sediment.

First sip - quite raw with plenty of bottle stink - has similarities to Vargellas in that there is a distinct note of violets on the palate.

Will return for a glass proper this evening..

Tom

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 00:44 Sat 22 Sep 2007

Half a day on..

The fullness and degree of extraction is high for a wine of this age - it is also coming over as a wine that has more to offer in the future.

It also confirms a trait that I have spotted before - many '83's are light on bouquet..

Still a bit of fire, and a hard edge, but punching above it's weight, price-wise

Tom

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 23:05 Sun 23 Sep 2007

Wine evolved a little after the 12 hour marker, but not by much - 2 1/2 days on there is more mouthfeel - to use one of Conky's favourite terms - but there is still some fire.

This wine has more to offer though - it is clearly juvenile.

To score

For immediate gratification, this is very drinkable, but not a star, and not quite above the median - a 4

Where's it going?

The depth and extraction of the wine is very good, and it's juvenile nature at 24yrs points to a long future, but I'm a little concerned about the fire - it may still be in Kevin mode

This could well emerge as a long term heavyweight from an otherwise lighter, more immediate vintage.

I'll score 4-6

Tom