1983 Graham's Vintage Port

[Eric Menchen]

Decanted the 750ml bottle around 1 p.m. At this time there was aroma of fruit, raspberry and boysenberry. Poured back into the bottle at 6 p.m.

Tasted first around 8 p.m. Now the fruit aroma was gone, replaced by aromas of mint and menthol, and some cedar. There is a little alcohol warmth in the aroma as well. This has a nice sweetness which I would expect for Graham's, but isn't cloying. Also, the body isn't as thick as I would have expected. But the integration of flavors is very nice, and the warmth is subdued in the lingering finish. A great drink, I struggled with a score of 93 or 94 points.

There was one small pour left on the next day. It was still good, but a lot of warmth on the finish really distracted from the enjoyment. It also felt like it fell off in flavor as well. In contrast, I also still had some 1994 Warre's VP from a 375ml bottle that was opened two days prior, and it remained strong and powerful. So I'm settled with the Graham's at 93 points.