1 | Wine | Page 433

"Graham is another great port house, producing one of the deepest-colored and sweetest styles of vintage port. Along with Taylor and Fonseca, Graham has probably been the most consistent producer of great port in the post- World War II era. Their tawnys are quite good rather than exceptional, but their vintage ports are truly sublime and sumptuous."

"A bright, pure style, with lively green fig, pear skin and white peach flavors, offset by a nice hint of bitter almond on the finish."

"Dark plum color with a hue of crimson red. An opulent bouquet of blackberry, red currant, plum and dark cherry fruit emerge from the glass. Black currant, cherry and spice intertwine for an exceptionally balanced palate. Smooth tannins help build depth on the back palate for a lengthy finish, rich with creamy vanilla and blackberry."

"Sweet, almost roasted aromas of dark cherry, honeyed nuts, toffee and bitter chocolate. Broad, thick and weighty, the dark honey and mocha flavors showing superb depth and richness, with a texture like motor oil. Finishes expansive and very long, with the darker chocolate and coffee notes building and taking over the palate. This is delicious."

"This blend has often been nice for the price, but it certainly seems to be trending upwards. With fine persistence and intensity, this is beautifully balanced and tightly wound, with better aromatics than the winery’s regular, unoaked Assyrtiko due to the blend (5% each of Athiri and Aidani added to the Assyrtiko), if not as much depth and intensity. This is simply lovely this year, one of the finest values in this report, transparent, focused and crisp, yet caressing and accessible. If you’re looking for fruity and sweet, this is not as likely to fulfill your goals. It is an overachiever, though."