What a way to finish one's 55th birthday celebration!
I had a bit of trouble with a crumbly cork (should have used the port tongs). After decanting, there was, as expected, a very heavy sediment thrown in the bottle. The decanted wine was crystal clear.
Visually, it looks like a textbook old vintage Port--a transparent red-garnet color. No signs of orange around the edges. On the nose, the wine is extremely fragrant. There's a good bit of brandy, but also roses, violets, raspberries, and smoke. On the palate there are incredibly complex flavors of red and black fruits, and the brandy, and the sweetness. The balance is excellent, and the finish just goes on and on.
This is a prime example of why it's worthwhile to age vintage Port.
The 1955 Taylor vintage Port has aged far more gracefully than I have.
Triple Curly.
-Paul W.