1983 Graham

[jdaw1]

In anticipation of a forthcoming Croft tasting in The Bunghole, 57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DT, we thought that it might be a good idea for three of us to test the location. The trial run grew to six people, and was held in the larger room. Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1980 Offley Boa Vista;
• 1970 Cockburn;
• 1968 Graham Malvedos;
• 1983 Graham;
• 1985 Fonseca;
• 2000 Tesco (Symington);
• 1996 Niepoort LBV;
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

[DRT]

Dark red, but not young. Smells of melon, and it wasn't only me who noticed. Lovely smooth and thick texture - sweet finish.

I guessed Graham 1980.

[jdaw1]

G83 (originally ‘RAYC’ in bottle bag #6): decanted 09:00. A hint of purple, 70% opaque. Bitter taste. Lots of tannin, and plum. Very long. Very interesting.

The bitterness misled into thinking Gould Campbell.

[JacobH]

Similar colour to the Fonseca 1985; just a little darker on the edge. On the nose very slight rancio and quite spirity at the end. In the mouth, lots of fruit. Slight acidity. A little sweeter than the others. No tannins. Clearly the best made wine of the evening; will be better than the Fonseca 1985 when it matures.