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With SushiNorth in London a few of us braved the tube strike to meet in the Bung Hole, the chosen theme being ‘Crazy 8s’.

Links:

• Review of the event as a whole;
• 1978 Fonseca Guimaraens;
• 1978 Dow Quinta do Bomfim;
• 1980 Graham;
• 1985 Churchill;
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Planning and arrangements.

Following four posts moved here from planning thread, by jdaw1.

Curious to know how the 1985 Churchill's shows. Just had it in a small line up of 1985's, including a Grahams, and it was the WOTN---shocked all of us.

Second for us, behind DB78!

John M wrote:Curious to know how the 1985 Churchill's shows. Just had it in a small line up of 1985's, including a Grahams, and it was the WOTN---shocked all of us.

I have a soft spot for Ch85 - When I first joined I was at that time looking for a new port from the 80s to be my new house port, and after attending a couple of tastings in London had determined two candidates, Cá85 and Ch85. Since the former had little availability, I shared purchase of a case of Ch85 with RAYC and every single bottle of my half of that case has showed very well, been delicious, and in the process has converted a couple of my friends locally into port drinkers. Since then I've had a lot of the other 85s, and while some can be more impressive at times (notably F85), I have to say that while a little softer in style I am definitely a big fan of the Ch85.

Phil - do you have a preferred source for Ch85 with best prices or do you pick up at auction?

Above four posts moved here from planning thread, by jdaw1.

Ch85, decanted 18:00. Dark red, 60% opaque; lovely colour. Nose somewhat closed, but showing structure and red fruit. Plate full of things. Heat showing, mixed with black-pepper spice. Lots of acidity and tannin and fruit. Great structure. Very obviously a Ch85 from the good batch. Would be even better after another half decade in the cellar.

flash_uk wrote:Phil - do you have a preferred source for Ch85 with best prices or do you pick up at auction?

That case was bought in-bond at retail, at a good price.

I bought most of mine from the BBX site at Berry's for around £25-35 per bottle.

You sometimes see it go for the lower end of that price range at auction where few people want to buy it.