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!
Top Ports in 2022: Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port. I cried with joy.
2023: Fonseca 1966. There are not many better Ports.