G85: opened 19:30 previous day, decanted 07:30 that morning. glorious red, 50% opaque. Showed very well, mid weight, with lots of lovely red fruit. Not huge. Junior to the TFP’s big-two 1985s. Nonetheless, I liked this a lot.
Graham 1985. Dark red with some maturity in the tone; 70% opaque. Attractive nose, no more mature than the 1983 but still bright and attractive. Sweet on the palate with honeyed fruit. Very smooth, very ripe fruit with a good grip and a little menthol heat. Some heat on the finish before the bramble fruit appears. Reserved, but delicious. 90/100. Audouzed at 19.30, double decanted at 07.30 and tasted at 20.00.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.