Deep red, less black in tone than the Gould Campbell, 95% opaque. Little on the nose, a shade of bottle stink with hints of blackcurrant and coal dust. Sweet, smooth entry but little fruit at first. Lots of tannins wrap around a sweet strawberry core. Lots of tannins, still dry and rowdy. The sweet strawberry dominates the late palate and air releases a pleasing amount of fruit. Strawberry chew aftertaste, which merges into a long dark chocolate finish full of tropical fruit. This is big, lovely, fruity port that is certainly big, but could never be described as well balanced. 92/100. 19-Dec-17. Decanted 4½ hours.
Top Ports in 2022: Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port. I cried with joy.
2023: Fonseca 1966. There are not many better Ports, except a good bottle of Fonseca 1927. Wow!
Good question. It just never had the poise and elegance that most of the others possessed. The other 1977 ports were soft, sweet and spiced with cloves with the acidity and tannins melding nicely together to deliver a very satisfying palate. The SW (and GC) we’re both unintegrated - everything was in the Port, but not in a way that was smoothly combined. It was just slightly awkward drinking.
Top Ports in 2022: Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port. I cried with joy.
2023: Fonseca 1966. There are not many better Ports, except a good bottle of Fonseca 1927. Wow!
AHB wrote: ↑09:36 Fri 29 Dec 2017
Good question. It just never had the poise and elegance that most of the others possessed. The other 1977 ports were soft, sweet and spiced with cloves with the acidity and tannins melding nicely together to deliver a very satisfying palate. The SW (and GC) we’re both unintegrated - everything was in the Port, but not in a way that was smoothly combined. It was just slightly awkward drinking.
Thanks. Do you think this and the GC just need more time to come together or do you think they'll stay somewhat awkward?
75% opacity, dark red, near purple. Concentrated dark fruit on the nose. In the mouth, young, tannic, with dark fruits. Lovely port, and you get the feeling that it hasn't settled down yet so will be interesting to see where the SW77 is at in 10 years from now.
AHB wrote: ↑09:36 Fri 29 Dec 2017
Good question. It just never had the poise and elegance that most of the others possessed. The other 1977 ports were soft, sweet and spiced with cloves with the acidity and tannins melding nicely together to deliver a very satisfying palate. The SW (and GC) we’re both unintegrated - everything was in the Port, but not in a way that was smoothly combined. It was just slightly awkward drinking.
Thanks. Do you think this and the GC just need more time to come together or do you think they'll stay somewhat awkward?
I honestly haven't a clue. I've a couple of cases of each so I really do hope it comes around, but only time will tell. And who knows how long will be needed? But it's still a pretty good drink so I'm not too worried.
Top Ports in 2022: Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port. I cried with joy.
2023: Fonseca 1966. There are not many better Ports, except a good bottle of Fonseca 1927. Wow!