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1977s were tasted by a strict subset of the obvious folks, on Tuesday 11^th June 2024, at the Boot & Flogger, as arranged by Martin Coulson.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• Tasting notes:
  • 1977 Warre;
  • 1977 Dow;
  • 1977 Graham;
  • 1977 Gould Campbell;
  • 1977 Smith Woodhouse;
  • 1977 Berry’s Own Selection ≈ Quarles Harris;
  • 1977 Offley Boa Vista;
  • 1977 Ferreira;
  • 1977 Sandeman;
  • 1977 Fonseca Panascal;
  • 1977 Fonseca;
  • 1977 Taylor;
  • 1977 Croft;
  • 1977 Delaforce;
  • 1977 Morgan;
  • 1977 Ramos Pinto;
  • 1977 Niepoort;
  • 1977 Royal Oporto;
  • 1977 Morano;
  • 1977 Ducal;
• Placemats;
• Food order;
• Planning and arrangements.

Big rich classical tobacco and tuberose port. Lovely, even if this bottle was not singing quite as much as some others have.

Muted nose, and a good palate, but not a great wine. Felt a bit disappointed by it.
That said, if it was open at home would happily drink it.

F77, red, 40% opaque. Soft, white pepper, long, not quite rich, but almost. Lovely balance, long, but lighter than a good Fonseca should be.

Ages ago, say ≤2010, F77 was a beast. What happened?

50% opacity, mature red.
Classic '77 nose, cranberry, caramel.
Soft, smooth, chewy entry, sweetness, strawberry and cherry. Lip-licking, but not quite the firm structure and backbone I was expecting.
Nevertheless, towards the top of the pile compared to those alongside.

Nose: cherry bakewell
Palate: cherries on entry, a little almond on the middle and a touch of tannic grip. Strawberries, caramel and milk chocolate on the finish. Good to V good.

1977 Fonseca. Dark red, looking full of promise; 60% opaque. Not what I was expecting from the nose! Not much, and what there is is faint sour fruit. Not attractive. Sweet on the palate, attractive fruit on the mid-palate which eventrally fills the mouth. Delicious aftertaste, rich fruit and a hint of tannin. Good length of red jelly on the finish. Enjoyable, but in no way deserving of the reputation this wine has. 88/100.