1896 Cockburn
Posted: 01:34 Sat 18 Feb 2023
All that was clear about this bottle was that it was old, that it had been filled and sealed by Mitcheltomb & Co. The shipper and vintage was not branded on the cork, but the wax seal was original so the cork is presumed to date from prior to the time when branding started (which we estimate to be around 1904-1908). The bottle had a top shoulder fill.
Very light orange colour; 30% opaque. Oxidised on the nose with fragrant toffee and butterscotch. Gently oxidised on the palate, old and tired. Quite dry with a creme brulee and burnt sugar element to the taste. Good acidity levels keep the palate fresh. Caramel dominates the pleasant aftertaste and leads to a good length finish which shows the charcoal ash character that seems to be consistent in this wine. 83/100. Drunk 13-Dec-18. Decanted 1 hour. Tasted at the Port Forum Christmas get-together.
Very light orange colour; 30% opaque. Oxidised on the nose with fragrant toffee and butterscotch. Gently oxidised on the palate, old and tired. Quite dry with a creme brulee and burnt sugar element to the taste. Good acidity levels keep the palate fresh. Caramel dominates the pleasant aftertaste and leads to a good length finish which shows the charcoal ash character that seems to be consistent in this wine. 83/100. Drunk 13-Dec-18. Decanted 1 hour. Tasted at the Port Forum Christmas get-together.