1983 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port

[Jay Hack]

The saga begins. We will be drinking this tonight at the end of the Bicoastal Craft OL. Per Roy's recommendation, I decanted this at 4:30 NY time, which should give us 6 hours before we drink it at 10:30 pm New York time. The matching bottle in LA is being decanted at 1:30 LA time, so we will drink them simultaneously. Decanted through a fine mesh screen. A teaspoon of sediment in the screen and a lot in the bottle. I have cleaned out the bottle and left it to dry because I will pour the port back in about an hour. I can see why this may be controversial. I have not tasted it but the nose at first was quite subdued and the alcohol on the nose was predominant. At first the color looked a bit light as I was decanting, but it seems quite dark and opaque in the Target Reidel decanter. The nose has also improved over the past 20 minutes and now has more fruit and even a noticeable nutty component. I'm hoping that RMPs 95 pts is closer than Roy and Andy's 73 pts (just kidding) but only time will tell.

[Jay Hack]

OK. You win. The 1983 Taylor is not a bad wine, but it is far from a stellar VP. A little too thin, with more nuttiness than fruit, and a citric acid component that made me think of tart oranges or lemons. I like my ports with a lot of fruit, with a very round and full mouth feel, but this did not have it. I brought the last 5 ounces home to try today for a second taste, but I do not think it will get better. I would say 86 points if that is the standard for very good but not excellent and no where near outstanding or extraordinary.

[Andy Velebil]

I saw the live thread on your dinner and the one here in L.A. and it was quite fun to read. It looks like everyone had a great time. You pretty much nailed the Taylors, IMO a VP that is fully ready to drink, if not a tad past prime. It was never a great one and if found super cheap possibly worth getting for a daily drinker. Sadly though it normally retails in the $80-$140 range, which is way overpriced for this particular VP. At least that Muscat showed well. Thanks for reporting back Jay, I appreciate it.

[Roy Hersh]

I think you were quite judicious with your comments and spot on.

You certainly seemed to mirror the experiences of most of us, with this particular bottling. "Forgettable" is probably the most apt descriptor.

[Jay Hack]

. . . "Forgettable" is probably the most apt descriptor.

But I have to forget 5 more bottles.

[Roy Hersh]

Jay,

Gift them or sell them. People pay for the name on the label, even if they are clueless about what's in the '83 version!

[Andy Velebil]

. . . "Forgettable" is probably the most apt descriptor.

But I have to forget 5 more bottles.

Just drink them all on one night. I guarantee you won't remember a thing by morning