Graham's, Diamond Jubilee Colheita Port

Needed a day of air and then became very expressive. coffee, burnt caramel, tobacco. Extremely fresh for being 62 years old

A private lunch (The Goring Hotel, London, UK) : Colour of a good Bual; deep, quite woody, raisins, hint of nuts, spices, sandalwood, complex, only the slightest VA; on the palate exquisite intensity and tangy acidity, off-dry, perfect weight, nice bitters, hint of candied fruit; very good length, molasses, complete. A rare (6 pipes only) and royal privilege.

A bottle on Diamond Jubilee Sunday, of course. For most of us, Colheita port was a new experience. Clear glass bottle, no deposit, not decanted. Faded plum colour, and a nose not unlike sloe gin! Initially very pixellated on the tongue with noticeable alcohol, and more than slightly sweaty. Improved considerably in the glass, however -- should I have decanted after all? Ultimately a mellow and agreeable drink, with some length, but does not live up to the BBR hype.