1985 Graham Vintage Port

[Stuart Chatfield]

Just had an '85 vertical of Taylor, Graham and Dow. I'm still perplexed by 85s and can't make my mind up. I feel they have a real staying-power, but somehow are not so enjoyable now. They could turn out great, but might fade away to be an odd mix of dried-out fruit with loads of tannins with no job left to do. (Perhaps like 60?) I have to say I still can't decide. I think Dow is best now, Graham will last longest but Taylor will end up the best. I agree with Tom's recent post saying that MB may have over-rated Grahams. However, he might be right about the Taylor. (However, I must add that I tend to be a Taylor/Dow fan rather than a Graham/Fonseca one, preferring the drier, simpler style). Sorry, still confused by this vintage and I don't think I've contributed much to the board by these muddled, indecisive notes.

Those 80s vintages are still like a Cinderella vintage, compared with the 60s and 70s. Its odd that only Dow 80 (and maybe Taylor 85) get top marks from me in the whole decade.


My notes, tasted at opening, 1/2 hours and 24 hours:

on opening:
Very dark from start, a little browning at the rim, but younger-looking than T, very sweet, fruity, floral nose, but not too sweet to taste at this stage

after a few hours:
sweetness building, a little cloying, maybe too sweet. Very dark purple - not to my taste but I'd guess this has a real future

24 hours:
sweetness has settled down - I'd now say this is not too sweet but has great depth and richness - like the Taylor I'd say not yet at its best. Not my style and not my favourite Grahams but really built for the long haul.

In summary, using the MB 5-star scale I'd say:

Graham: ***(*) 3 now, might get to 4. Drink 2010-2030

This tasting note is one of several related tasting notes. Click [here] to see the original note in context.