1980 Warre
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Tasting notes
Deep black-garnet – much darker than any of the 1977s. Sumptuous, dark, spicy nose with brooding intrigue – lots of density and richness. Though the alcohol stands out a little, there’s great depth of smoky black-fruit and dark-chocolate flavour. Very fine-grained tannins are still very much in evidence. Mid maturity. Decent length too. (TJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1980 Warre’s Vintage Port shows just a little warmth on the nose, rather earthy, with leather clove and smoke aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a peppery opening, quite austere for a 1980, with moderate depth, a healthy sprinkle of white pepper and ginger towards the finish but now it is just missing the requisite fruit to back it up. Tasted at the "Big Fortified Tasting" in London.
Figgy and dusty and a bit hollow on the nose. Tastes of former glory. Lots of chocolate and dried spices, but the fruit is rather limp. (RH)
The 1980 Vintage Port is another sensational release in the Vineyard Brands portfolio. A full-bodied, concentrated, yet also elegant Port, it gives up classic notes of tobacco leaf, olive, cedary spice, and loads of ripe black fruits. While it’s fully mature and I suspect drinking at point, it’s perfectly balanced and just glides across the palate. There’s no need to delay gratification, but it’s going to keep for another 10-15 years as well.