1977 - A classic vintage that somewhat overshadowed an impressive 1970 vintage, the only other vintage of the decade. Many wines are beginning to drink well, and I've summarized my experience with this vintage. Hopefully, my tasting list will continue to grow over the next few years.
De La Force, tasted December 2000. Showing age, notes of ripe plums and strawberries.
Dow's, tasted January 1999. Showing age, notes of dried fruits and nuts; excellent.
Smith Woodhouse, tasted December 2002. Showing only moderate age, dark fruits are present; excellent.
Taylor, tasted December 2001. Still young, notes of red fruits with good tannins.
B. Livingston
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Bill, I would have to agree with your assessment. Now that I've sampled a good variety of 1977's I can fully appreciate why this vintage is hailed as one of the classics. To give you my own synopsis - The Croft was probably the least impressive of the bottles I've tasted, which is saying a good deal because I enjoyed that wine quite a bit. After that I'd put the Delaforce, which was delicious and delicate, if lacking a bit in power. I tasted the Fonseca 77 under odd circumstances and without the best of preparations, but it was excellent none-the-less. The Taylor is a deep and fruity wine with a big structure and probably has a little while before it's peak. The Warre's as well is still dark and filled with fruit but with a lovely mature texture - i think my favorite of the bunch. The Dow's was delicious as well though, showing lots of dried fruit and lovely spice. I truly haven't had a disappointing 77 yet, so let's continue with the tastings...
Cheers!
- L.H.
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