1975 Graham's Vintage Port

[Lamont Huxley]

So on the advice of some folks here on the forum, I decided to order a bottle of Graham's 75 for my girlfriend's birthday (we were both born in 75). I ordered this bottle from a company in California, the first time I've ever ordered port over the internet, and crossed my fingers. I should note that the conversation I had with the guy I ordered it from did put me at ease. He knew more about port than anyone I've ever spoken with in a retail shop and was exceptionally helpful. Happily, it arrived well packaged and in good condition in about a week's time. Excellent.

Beneath the double metal capsules the top of the cork looked good, though there was a little bit of past seepage evident. It almost came out in one piece but the bottom 1/4 inch tore away and had to be extracted separately. The cork was stained nearly to the top. The wine appeared a very pale pink as it was being poured from the bottle, but after 8 hours in the decanter it has become a mature, slightly rusty burgundy with a clear amber rim. The nose is pleasant and subdued in quality with notes of light red berries, grape ring-pops, a hint of licorice, and warm cinnamon toast - a bit spiritous as well. Sweet and smooth on entry, delicate and mature, with candied red fruit and brown sugar flavors transitioning to a drier, spicy mid-palate and a swelling of alcohol that fades quickly enough not to mask the fairly long finish. Would seem to be fully evolved at this point and not one to hold onto any longer. A tasty port, enjoyable especially for the very nice notes on the nose, but the heat on the mid-palate takes away from it a bit. Nevertheless - a solid birthday bottle!