Peter Creasey
Peter Creasey
Imagine, if you will, what would be the most you would expect from the following wines when sampled today. This is exactly what each and everyone of them delivered in an intriguing tasting.
Since these wines are well known and since I have already summarized that they measured up at least as fine as hoped, I'll just give general impressions.
BV Private Reserve '68 - Ambrosia in the glass. What a trophy this has always been and still is.
BV Private Reserve '69 - Everything I said about the '68 and then some. I have always thought this bottling was underrated as it was squeezed by the greatness of the '68 and '70. In fact, I consider the '69 to be superior to both...if only by a gnat's eyelash.
BV Private Reserve '76 - This bottling has tended to be a sleeper. Probably hasn't got as much press as it deserves, but it has always shown well, including on this occasion.
BV Private Reserve '80 - Similar comments as what I said about the '76. Always shows well.
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill '77 - Another really fine showing by this stalwart. Held its own well in this stellar lineup.
Ridge Monte Bello '77 - This legendary wine lived up to its legacy in typical form.
Simi Reserve '85 - Perhaps the tiredest wine of the tasting but still no slouch. If served by itself, it would probably be even more impressive.
Durney '79 - This bottling has been wonderful every time I have had it, probably 30 or more times over the years. It never ceases to amaze with its resiliency, especially given the fact it is only the estate bottling.
Durney Private Reserve '85 - In this tasting, this wine challenged the BV PR '68 and '69 for the "Wine of the Night". Almost seemed youthful, especially the color. Durney Cabernet Sauvignons have always been special.
Dal Forno Amarone '77 - Surely no one at the tasting needed a wake-up call, but if they did, this wine filled the bill. So powerful and lusty! Not for shy palates!
Sandeman Port '55 - Some people found an elusive off-putting element. Lots of light sediment. Came around nicely over time.
Fonseca Port '63 - A barn burner! Everything anyone could hope for and expect from a fabulous Port.
Velha Barretto Malvasio Madeira Reserva 1834 - All the right components were prominently in place. Absolutely delicious! And a fitting conclusion to a memorable tasting of well-aged wines.
. . . . . . Pete
Since these wines are well known and since I have already summarized that they measured up at least as fine as hoped, I'll just give general impressions.
BV Private Reserve '68 - Ambrosia in the glass. What a trophy this has always been and still is.
BV Private Reserve '69 - Everything I said about the '68 and then some. I have always thought this bottling was underrated as it was squeezed by the greatness of the '68 and '70. In fact, I consider the '69 to be superior to both...if only by a gnat's eyelash.
BV Private Reserve '76 - This bottling has tended to be a sleeper. Probably hasn't got as much press as it deserves, but it has always shown well, including on this occasion.
BV Private Reserve '80 - Similar comments as what I said about the '76. Always shows well.
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill '77 - Another really fine showing by this stalwart. Held its own well in this stellar lineup.
Ridge Monte Bello '77 - This legendary wine lived up to its legacy in typical form.
Simi Reserve '85 - Perhaps the tiredest wine of the tasting but still no slouch. If served by itself, it would probably be even more impressive.
Durney '79 - This bottling has been wonderful every time I have had it, probably 30 or more times over the years. It never ceases to amaze with its resiliency, especially given the fact it is only the estate bottling.
Durney Private Reserve '85 - In this tasting, this wine challenged the BV PR '68 and '69 for the "Wine of the Night". Almost seemed youthful, especially the color. Durney Cabernet Sauvignons have always been special.
Dal Forno Amarone '77 - Surely no one at the tasting needed a wake-up call, but if they did, this wine filled the bill. So powerful and lusty! Not for shy palates!
Sandeman Port '55 - Some people found an elusive off-putting element. Lots of light sediment. Came around nicely over time.
Fonseca Port '63 - A barn burner! Everything anyone could hope for and expect from a fabulous Port.
Velha Barretto Malvasio Madeira Reserva 1834 - All the right components were prominently in place. Absolutely delicious! And a fitting conclusion to a memorable tasting of well-aged wines.
. . . . . . Pete