ThePortForum.com

We gathered to see how the ports of five major houses from the early 80s were faring.

Links:

• Review of the event;
• ◊ Dow 1980; ◊ Warre 1980; ◊ Graham 1980; ◊ Fonseca 1980; ◊ Taylor 1980;
• ◊ Dow 1983; ◊ Warre 1983; ◊ Graham 1983; ◊ Fonseca 1983; ◊ Taylor 1983;
• ◊ Dow 1985; ◊ Warre 1985; ◊ Graham 1985; ◊ Fonseca 1985; ◊ Taylor 1985;
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Food order;
• Planning and arrangements;

65% opacity, dark red, cloudy. Red fruit on the nose. Great structure, tannic, red fruits, a little more mature than I usually associate with F85. Very nice all round though.

Part of a parcel sourced from Seckfords. Surprisingly mature appearance (at least compared with recent experience of this wine); 85% opaque. Little showing on the surprisingly hollow nose but the entry onto the palate is wonderful with sweet fruit and redcurrant jelly. The mid-palate is a real delight with so many layers of flavour. There is a touch of heat on the aftertaste before a lovely round, fruit-led finish of sweetened redcurrant takes over. This is a very long and very concentrated port. 92/100.

F85. Red, 50% opaque. Palate big and soft, but quite dry especially mid-palate. Red fruited, very long, and lovely.