"Near the town, where I was born
Lived a man, who sold good port ..."
Raymond Smeyers, of Madas' fame, quit freight handling in Antwerp harbour and swapped for one of Europe's largest Madeira wine businesses. He also became importer for Gould Campbell, one of the Port trade marks in the Symington family's empire.
I used to get on well with Raymond, a clever man with extended knowledge about fortified wines. So it was I bought several cases of various vintages of this stuff from him. I've drunk most of them, e.g. 1977, 1985 and some 1991.
I'm fond of "old style" vintage Port, not the plumlike show-off candies most shippers make nowadays for the Asiatic and Yankee markets. I used to be considered a connoisseur as well (?).
I still enjoy the odd bottle but am down to my very few last dozens or so.
Expecting an excellent friend, nephrologist in the Lozère, to call on me, I decanted this 1980 and was at once charmed by its very dark colour, lovely blackcurrant and cranberry flavours and richness in the mouth, albeit with a still somewhat agressive alcohol.
Great stuff indeed, not showing its age.
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