TWO CONTRASTING PORTS FROM THE SYMINGTONS

The following wines were served at the Third Form Dinner at White’s in London having been donated by members of the club. At the dinner we raised a glass to the late and much missed fellow club member Tim Stanley-Clark.    

Graham 1985 ****

Mid-deep pinkish youthful colour, just starting to brown on the rim; lovely ripe, dark cherry fruit on the nose and on the palate, very expressive, firm, spicy tannins though perhaps a touch on the lean side for Graham, though 1985 was a ripe vintage, lovely, pure, sweet berry fruit finish. Perfect to drink now and  standing up very well.  17    

Berry’s Own Selection Vintage Port, 1977 **/***

Sourced from Quarles Harris: mid-deep in colour, still retaining a youthful hue; rather rustic in character on the nose with some rather grubby spirit showing through the fruit; simple rather medicinal, bitter-sweet cherry fruit with the rusticity showing though again mid-palate, retaining a modicum of tannic grip but rather simple on the finish. 14.5