Beschreibung:

FINE VINTAGE PORT FROM A PRIVATE CELLAR The following lots (1 to 12) were recently removed from the ideal cellar conditions of a country house in Kent. No temperature and humidity control - just the perfect natural, ambient conditions of a cool, underground cellar and are now lying in Twickenham, Middlesex (EHD) Croft--Vintage 1945 Oporto-bottled. Damaged red wax capsule, slight signs of seepage. Slightly bin-soiled label. Level into neck Tasting Note: Eighteen fairly consistent notes starting in the mid-1950s 'full yet good now' (on Harvey's lists at 24 shillings a bottle). Drinking perfectly in 1966, yet in 1971 I wrote 'Another 20 years of life'. A memorable bottle in October 1997 dining with Robin Reid and John Burnett and their wives, at Croft's lodge in Gaia. Good colour, lively, rosy-hued; delicate low-keyed but fragrant bouquet reminding me of Pontefract cakes, great depth; fairly sweet still, medium-weight, lean but firm, interesting leathery silky tannic texture, good quality, crisp dry finish. In 1999 at a dinner party at home: as the original label (Oporto-bottled) had disintegrated I broke the neck to extract the cork which, happily, was fully branded. The wine had a fairly solid 'crust' so it decanted clearly through my old silver sieve. Powerful nose; lean touch but lovely, spicy, warming flavour. Most recently; mocha and liquorice, rich, 'stably' bouquet; lean, attractive, with hot acidic finish. Last noted at the Russian National Orchestra supporters' dinner at Spencer House, London, April 2002. At best **** Drink soon. M.B. 1 bottle per lot