1977 Graham (CPR)
On Wednesday 2nd April 2014 six of us gathered in The Bung Hole to taste a six-pack of Graham 1980 (the previous tasting of this shape having tested Taylor 1985).
G77. Red-pink, 30% opaque. Nose faint and slightly dry. Early palate, dry. Mid-palate, heat, presently, strongly to the end. Late palate, still hot, but soft sweetness behind.
Provided by CPR. Pale, 40% opaque - the colour of a dark butterscotch. Very evolved on the nose, like a well matured VP. Lots of celery and Werther's Originals. Lovely soft textured entry with gentle apple, redcurrant and cinnamon - and a surprisingly powerful chilli edge! Lovely balance, but restrained and in an elegant style. Some heat shows on the palate, and the heat carries through to the modestly flavoured aftertaste. Attractive and drinking well, served blind the light weight caused me to guess this was a G75. 92/100. Decanted 13 hours.
Top Ports in 2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
Decanted 12 hrs. 30% opacity, rusty brown-red. Nose of slightly stewed oranges, alcohol. Marmalade. Some heat then sweetness and then slight acidity. Very nice.