The 1980 Taylor's Vintage Port has a deep, clear garnet colour. The nose is very backward, quite austere and conservative with notes of cherry and raspberry leaf, a touch of cigar box developing with aeration. It perhaps lacks a little joie-de-vivre, especially when compared to vintages in the 1970s. The palate is attractive though, with notes of raspberry, plum, white pepper, blood orange and a touch of apricot. This 1980 has good acidity but plays it safe, unwilling to take chances. Yet there is perceptible lushness on the finish with black plum notes despite lacking the precision of the great vintages. (NM)