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My contribution to "Bring a bottle to share" on Weds 5th Feb 2020.

One of six purchased 10ish years ago from Laithwaites. Suggested on the night that this is a late release hence unusual and pristine label.

Double decanted 24 hours prior to tasting.

Pale, wide watery rim. Initially something a bit off on the nose, but this cleared over the course of the evening. Quite reserved with not much happening. Much better in the mouth, good balance and development. Overall enjoyed.

The theme was bring some port to share, from the '70s or '80s, blind.

Bottles:

• 1985 Dow
• 1970 Croft
• 1980 Warre
• 1977 Croft
• 1977 Cálem
• 1985 Fonseca
• 1975 Taylor
• 1997 Gould Campbell

A lovely mature tone to the Port, 60% opaque. Unpleasant nose, oxidised at first but this did blow off slowly. Modest bodied on the palate, plenty of tannins in the sweet fruit flavours. The sweet fruit has a streak of bitterness in a palate which is quite light. Some red liquorice shows on the finish, leading to warm aniseed. Perhaps slightly better than pleasant. Served blind, this was guessed to be Croft 1977. 87/100. Drunk 05-Feb-20. Decanted ½ hour.