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Monday 22^nd December 2014, chez Christopher: Port, steak on a barbecue, then cigars.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1970 Cockburn;
• 1970 Graham;
• 1970 Warre;
• 1945 Croft, †;
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

Cr45, decanted about 18:00, and served blind. Colour not noted, but recalled to be a lovely red and about 50% opaque. Palate very soft and lovely, slightly fuller than mid-weight, and full of re fruit and white spice. The white peppery spice was very distinctive, present throughout the evening, and very lovely.

Mis-guessed by me to be F45; AHB — the only other person to whom it was blind — guessing late 1940s.

Thank you CMAG for opening a very fine Croft 1945: not my standard fare.

Deep brick red, 80% opaque. A lovely, dusty nose full of sweet fruit but with an interesting herbiness. Smooth entry bringing sweet, round fruit. On the mid-palate there is generous amounts of cracked white pepper and a powerful heat / spiciness. Large and mouthfilling aftertaste with a big finish that is full of chewy red licorice of great duration. This is surprisingly herby, but has a great balance. 92/100.

And just to correct JDAW, served blind I guessed this to be Quinta do Noval 1945!