TN: 1983 Graham's

[Frederick Blais]

Last week-end I did open Graham's 1983 with 3 wine producers from Spain, France and Italy. All were charmed with the depth and concentration of this Port. The cork was not as easy to remove as Derek 83 Dow's and I had to work hard to prevent small pieces to drop in that precious liquid. But again I must remind that I am cursed with Port's cork removing duty.

The color was deep ruby, translucide but no color fading on the rim, this is clearly aging at a glacial pace as Parker often says. The nose exibit much alcohol on opening but after 5 hours everything is totally integatred so pure aromas of field berries, licorice and candied figs explode from one glass. On the palate, good concentration combined with still present tannins are leading the way to a full bodied port with secondary flavours of ripe fruit, blond tobacco, licorice and present cinnamon flavours are really showing that this port is still young for 25 years of age. Strong finish on spices and candied fruits, very long. I'd wait another 5-10 years to open the next bottle, at least. 18/20+

[Roy Hersh]

I so love the 1983 Dow and your description made me drool. I had one on Jan. 30th in a fun tasting of 5 producers each from 1980, 1983 and 1985. Very educational to say the least, but not the first time I had used that exact lineup of 15 bottles + an old and great ringer. But the 1983 Graham's is simply one of the top 3 VPs of the vintage. Nice description!