The Port Wine Thread

[ir13]

What ports have you drank that you have enjoyed and where did you find em.

Just wanting to make a thread to see how many of my fellow BOTL enjoy Port.



I just had a bottle of Taylor Fladgate 10 Year and cant wait to try and find another bottle locally, it was extremely good to me.

Another recent port i had was the Sandeman's Founders Reserve, was very smooth and i already got another bottle.

[atlharp]

What ports have you drank that you have enjoyed and where did you find em.

Just wanting to make a thread to see how many of my fellow BOTL enjoy Port.



I just had a bottle of Taylor Fladgate 10 Year and cant wait to try and find another bottle locally, it was extremely good to me.

Another recent port i had was the Sandeman's Founders Reserve, was very smooth and i already got another bottle.

Taylor-Fladgate is damn good stuff. That 10 year old Tawny is good, but try the 20 year next time. I would go looking for some Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) if you can find it. Taylor makes a great LBV, so does Croft, Graham's makes a great rserve called Six Grapes which is good too.

There is a lot in the Port world to drink up, I would start from there and work your way into a stupor! :al

ATL

[Savvy]

I occasionally drink port. It's been awhile though since I've gone into the military and been cut off...

But what I can remember drinking before I left were: Six Grapes, Sandeman's Tawny, Fonseca Bin 29...I think I have them arranged in order from worst to best in my opinion too.

I'll have to get back into it in a couple months here when I can own my own alcohol again.

[RHNewfie]

6 Grapes is awesome and so is a white port that I had, can't recall the name though!

[Ron1YY]

Taylor-Fladgate is damn good stuff. That 10 year old Tawny is good, but try the 20 year next time. I would go looking for some Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) if you can find it. Taylor makes a great LBV, so does Croft, Graham's makes a great rserve called Six Grapes which is good too.

There is a lot in the Port world to drink up, I would start from there and work your way into a stupor! :al

ATL

Where did you get your information from??????

With your love for Benjamin's port and Boones farm wine, I can tell you have a discriminating palate :r :r :r

[atlharp]

Where did you get your information from??????

With your love for Benjamin's port and Boones farm wine, I can tell you have a discriminating palate :r :r :r

I think it was from you at one of the Ragu Pasta sauce tastings you attend.:c

ATL

[BroncoHorvath]

Taylor-Fladgate is damn good stuff. That 10 year old Tawny is good, but try the 20 year next time. I would go looking for some Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) if you can find it. Taylor makes a great LBV, so does Croft, Graham's makes a great rserve called Six Grapes which is good too.

There is a lot in the Port world to drink up, I would start from there and work your way into a stupor! :al

ATL

Gee, we have the same taste buds... I also really like the Cabral 30 & 40 year old Tawny's.... very yummie with a great cigar...like a HDM DC....

[mosesbotbol]

If you like tawny ports, the best easy to find ones are (all 20 year bottles):

Ferreira
Sandeman
Ramos Pinto
Barros
Noval
Dow

[Ace$nyper]

How have I missed this!

I know it's cliche but I really find I like grahams better then most.
I've have a bunch of dow's and i've enjoyed most. Taylor's always seem to have a odd after taste to me.

Always have some 6 grape around :)

[mosesbotbol]

I know it's cliche but I really find I like grahams better then most.


If you are talking Vintage Port, than it's hard to beat Grahams. One of my favorites as well.

[Vitis]

Like the sweetness of Grahams but will take the power of Fonseca every time.

~Vitis

[mosesbotbol]

Like the sweetness of Grahams but will take the power of Fonseca every time.

~Vitis


I find Taylor as having more power, more pepper and spice to their profile. Somehow, Fonseca seems soft and wonderful, yet can stay that way for decades upon decades. Fonseca is a wonderful brand, as is Taylor...

[Vitis]

Agreed Fonseca/Taylor being the heavy hitters. Bums me out a bit that they taste so good young in the past few vintage years. Prior to 94' I never would have thought of drinking either of those two young. Harder to keep hands off in recent vintages.

~Vitis

[Alee]

Had a 1983 and 1985 Dow Vintage port a couple months ago, I got it on sale at my local K&L wines. Well worth checking out their website because they ship too.

Also, had the 20yr old Tawny from Taylor at a party. All three were very tasty!

[Vitis]

83 and 85 good vintages. Im liking the 85' better right now and holding the 83's for a bit longer.

~Vitis

[Darrell]

What is the taste difference between 10 yr Grahams and 20 yr Grahams? I am pretty new to the port scene and have only had Six Grapes. I want to try Grahams but am not 100% port is for me and don't want to drop $60 on a bottle of 20.

[Darrell]

I picked up a bottle of this for $26.99.

http://www.bevmo.com/Media/Images/ProductImagesFull/2694.jpg

I hope it's good.

[ir13]

I picked up a bottle of this for $26.99.

http://www.bevmo.com/Media/Images/ProductImagesFull/2694.jpg

I hope it's good.


It is, that is the bottle im trying to find here locally bc i had some in FL and it was outstanding. If you wouldnt mind shipping a bottle to me let me know.

[ucla695]

I picked up a bottle of this for $26.99.

http://www.bevmo.com/Media/Images/ProductImagesFull/2694.jpg

I hope it's good.

I've been enjoying this as an everyday type of porto. It's good! :dr

[Ron1YY]

It is, that is the bottle im trying to find here locally bc i had some in FL and it was outstanding. If you wouldnt mind shipping a bottle to me let me know.

If you are talking about the ones floating around during MMH III it was the 20 year.

This a a very good to great port. The 20 years has more depth to it and is less sweet.

I find the 10 year great for weekly and 20 for at least once a month or when I have people over as an after dinner and dessert wine.

If anyone can tell me if the 40 year is worth 3 times the 20, I'd appreciate it as I want an honest answer rather than taking the word of the liquor store salesman

[ahc4353]

I picked up a bottle of this for $26.99.

http://www.bevmo.com/Media/Images/ProductImagesFull/2694.jpg

I hope it's good.

It is Darrell. I drank a bottle of that while I was in chat last night! Gift from my nephew for my birthday. Not as sweet as I normally like but it was very good.

[mosesbotbol]

83 and 85 good vintages. Im liking the 85' better right now and holding the 83's for a bit longer.

I think the '85 Dow may be their best vintage since 1970, perhaps even longer. It is still such a baby and has huge aging potential. The 1977 Dow has some bottle variation to them, so it's a crap shot. I have only had a handful of Dow 85's and I say jump on them. For sure, one of Dow's drier vintages, but has the perfect balance to be one Dow's best ever. The '83 is also good, but is not '85...

[mosesbotbol]

What is the taste difference between 10 yr Grahams and 20 yr Grahams? I am pretty new to the port scene and have only had Six Grapes. I want to try Grahams but am not 100% port is for me and don't want to drop $60 on a bottle of 20.

I hear you... I would not spend $60 on it either. For a 20 year, go for any you can get for $40 or less.

There's a big difference in complexity and length between 10 & 20 that anyone would pick up on. 20 to 30 or 30 to 40; it's not so much. It's only in Colheitas where you can really taste the old stuff and very old stuff difference more dramatically.

[mosesbotbol]

If anyone can tell me if the 40 year is worth 3 times the 20, I'd appreciate it as I want an honest answer rather than taking the word of the liquor store salesman

No it's not. If the tawny style is what you prefer, go for an older Colheita from the 50's.

[Ron1YY]

No it's not. If the tawny style is what you prefer, go for an older Colheita from the 50's.

Thanks Moses, I knew I could count on a brother for a straight answer. Can you enlighten us(me) on Colheita and where to look for them from the 50's please

[Darrell]

It is, that is the bottle im trying to find here locally bc i had some in FL and it was outstanding. If you wouldnt mind shipping a bottle to me let me know.

Sure, I'll ship you a bottle. PM me the details.

[Chris.]

Is there a particular Six grapes I need to look for? I've never had port wine and have been thinking about picking up a bottle of Six grapes.

[Vitis]

Thanks Moses, I knew I could count on a brother for a straight answer. Can you enlighten us(me) on Colheita and where to look for them from the 50's please

I cant tell you where to look (maybe Moses can) but Colheita is basicaly vintage Tawny, so it spends xxx amount of time (10, 20+ years) in barrel before being bottled. All the grapes are from one year, and when it is finaly bottled it stops maturing.

In my market (seattle) we see lots of Colheita from Kopke and Rocha (wineworth the importer is based here) and Kopke makes a 1950 and Rocha has 1957, 1947, 1937 that I know of. Im sure there are lots of others to look for either localy or on the net.

~Vitis

[jquirit]

Got this bottle of Kopke tawny port that I've been trying and I'm liking it so far. Dunno if it's a vintage or not (probably not), but I'm not minding if it or isn't.

Like how I rate cigars, this falls into the "doesn't suck" category.

:al

[mosesbotbol]

Is there a particular Six grapes I need to look for? I've never had port wine and have been thinking about picking up a bottle of Six grapes.

Six Grapes is a specific bottling by Grahams. Quite popular for the money. Personally, at that price point, I like Broadbents Auction Reserve.

[mosesbotbol]

Thanks Moses, I knew I could count on a brother for a straight answer. Can you enlighten us(me) on Colheita and where to look for them from the 50's please

Don't know what stores have what in your area, but the most popular Colheitas are;

Niepoort
Noval
Barros
Burmester
Kopke
Rocha

Colheita is not as common under the British brands of port. Their versions may say "Reserve" and have a vintage somewhere in fine text (even though they are from Portugal). It's best to get a recent bottling on Colheita. That means it has been sitting in the barrel longer than in the bottle. Once it's in the bottle, it slowly declines.

[TripleF]

Great thread Joey!! I'll post and follow since I am not an experienced Port drinker, but I am a Port lover. I have a small bottle of Six Grapes given to me in the 20 Men That Ride Like 100 bombing raid.





-

[Lenny]

If you are talking about the ones floating around during MMH III it was the 20 year.

This a a very good to great port. The 20 years has more depth to it and is less sweet.

I find the 10 year great for weekly and 20 for at least once a month or when I have people over as an after dinner and dessert wine.

If anyone can tell me if the 40 year is worth 3 times the 20, I'd appreciate it as I want an honest answer rather than taking the word of the liquor store salesman

I have had Many of the Taylor Fladgate Ports.
The 20 is really nice. The 40 is smoother & a bit stronger with a more lasting finish.
As a present to yourself it is nice.

If your going to have it with guests after dinner Stay with the cheaper 20 year old.

On an other surprising note for every day. Taylor Makes a "Fine Tawney Port" which is young but full of underlying flavor . It sells for about $10. And is a nice drink with a Cigar as you read a book or watch TV,
Churchill Makes a nice white port Good for a Long Cold Drink for about $25.
Enjoy your port.
Lenny :cb:usa

[DrDubzz]

I just picked up a bottle (like 10 minutes ago) of Dow's Fine Ruby Porto

anyone have any experience with this? I've only ever had 6 Grapes before, and the guy there said this was the closest they had since they could never get any Graham's product in

[mosesbotbol]

I just picked up a bottle (like 10 minutes ago) of Dow's Fine Ruby Porto

anyone have any experience with this? I've only ever had 6 Grapes before, and the guy there said this was the closest they had since they could never get any Graham's product in

They are quite similar in quality, but Dow is known for a drier style of port and Grahams is known to be on the sweeter side. I have not had either side-by-side.

[DrDubzz]

They are quite similar in quality, but Dow is known for a drier style of port and Grahams is known to be on the sweeter side. I have not had either side-by-side.

hmm, well hopefully it's not too dry, I was going for sweet

I guess I'll just have to give it a go and find out

[mosesbotbol]

hmm, well hopefully it's not too dry, I was going for sweet

I guess I'll just have to give it a go and find out

It's plenty sweet; it is port after all.

[Chris.]

Just bought a bottle of Six grapes reserve Porto. Looking forward to it! I assume like any other "wine" it's better when cold...(?) Gonna snatch a bottle of that 10 year Taylor Fladgate next time. Joey, They sell the 10 and 20 year at Green's.

[Vitis]

Not cold, just not warm. Cellar temp (58 or so) would be great as it warms up in your glass. Room temp (70) will work though. If my reds are at room temp, I often give em 20 minutes in the fridge first.

~Vitis

[DrDubzz]

It's plenty sweet; it is port after all.

it is certainly sweet! I tried some today and was very pleased with it. Pretty dang good for 15-16 bucks a bottle

still, I must continue my quest for 6 grapes. someone in town must have it

[mosesbotbol]

I must continue my quest for 6 grapes. someone in town must have it

Or look for Broadbent's Auction Reserve which is made by Niepoort. Niepoort is one of the finest brands around, yet is not readily available in USA on their own name. Mostly Europe. 6 Grapes is nothing to lose sleep over.

[macpappy]

I've never had an expensive port (over $25) that hasn't been worth the money but there are many less expensive ports ($15 - 25) that are enjoyable also. I remember a fishing trip one January a few years back when the temperatures actually dropped into the 30's in Louisiana. As we were headed back to the dock one of the guys pulled out a hip flask filled with "gasp" Benjamin's. It tasted good in that situation. (Our guide, who did not participate in the Benjamins tasting as he was driving the boat, passed out shots of Gentleman Jack once we were ashore.)

I currently have a bottle of Dow's LBV 2000 that's open and another that is collecting dust in a dark, cool place.

[Chris.]

How is that Gent's Jack? I saw that in the liquor store the other day for the first time.

[macpappy]

How is that Gent's Jack? I saw that in the liquor store the other day for the first time.

Better then Jack Daniels Black

[fxpose]

I picked up a bottle of this for $26.99.

http://www.bevmo.com/Media/Images/ProductImagesFull/2694.jpg

I hope it's good.

It's great! I enjoyed it. UCLA Mike brought one over a few weeks ago.

[Skywalker]

Here are the Ports I'm working on right now!
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/4553/port01br1.jpg

The Casal dos Jordoes (far left) is an organic Port and one of my more expensive bottles. The Evenus Zin Port can be bought at Trader Joes. The Sierra Starr is from a winery in Nevada City, CA and is very sweet with little aftertaste. The D'Art if made in Lodi, CA and is one of my favorites. The Warres Warrior was a gift from Bobarian and can be found at most stores as well as the Cockburns Special Reserve.

[Bubba - NJ]

Once a bottle of Port is opened , How long do I have to finish it ? Does it go bad real quick or does it last a month or 2 once opened ? I've had the Fonseca Bin 27 and liked it . I just bought an Osborne tawny and a LBV 2001. Has anyone had either of these ? And what did you think of them ?

[chibnkr]

I really enjoy a good vintage port. I have three or four mixed cases in my cellar. My favorite house style is Grahams, but am also a big fan of Taylor, Fonseca, and Dow. I probably have a few bottles of each from 1970, '77, '85, and '94.

[Ron1YY]

I really enjoy a good vintage port. I have three or four mixed cases in my cellar. My favorite house style is Grahams, but am also a big fan of Taylor, Fonseca, and Dow. I probably have a few bottles of each from 1970, '77, '85, and '94.

Nice selection Mike!!!!!

[Skywalker]

Once a bottle of Port is opened , How long do I have to finish it ? Does it go bad real quick or does it last a month or 2 once opened ? I've had the Fonseca Bin 27 and liked it . I just bought an Osborne tawny and a LBV 2001. Has anyone had either of these ? And what did you think of them ?

If you put the cork back in the bottle it will last along time! Port is way different than red wine in that respect! :2

[mosesbotbol]

Sorry no pictures, but last night we had an excellent round up of port and Madeira:

1898 Barbeito Verdelho Madeira
1970 Morgan Vintage Port
1977 Ferreira Vintage

It was first for trying any of these vintages. I have had a lot of Ferreira and once did a vertical of Ferreira from '55 to '85, but was missing the '77. The '77 had a funky nose, yet was still grapey and well balanced. A touch hot and we detcted a little TCA, but not enough to say it was an infected bottle.

The Morgan '70 was awesome! Buy all you can if you ever see it. I have never had a Morgan, but know collectors in England that rave about it and its QPR. This is one of the most velvety smooth ports that was like straight up strawberry jam. A little dead on the nose, but still incredible.

The Barbeito was just another excellent Madeira, not a blockbuster, but certainly no slouch. Typical prailene and dried fruits, with a fairly dry finish. Excellent indeed.

Two people and 2.5 bottles drank... Feeling it today.

For cigars, I started off with Montecristo A, had a vintage Montecristo No. 2, and then a vintage Punch Churchill... Still tasting the cigars this morning...

[Ron1YY]

Sorry no pictures, but last night we had an excellent round up of port and Madeira:

1898 Barbeito Verdelho Madeira
1970 Morgan Vintage Port
1977 Ferreira Vintage

It was first for trying any of these vintages. I have had a lot of Ferreira and once did a vertical of Ferreira from '55 to '85, but was missing the '77. The '77 had a funky nose, yet was still grapey and well balanced. A touch hot and we detcted a little TCA, but not enough to say it was an infected bottle.

The Morgan '70 was awesome! Buy all you can if you ever see it. I have never had a Morgan, but know collectors in England that rave about it and its QPR. This is one of the most velvety smooth ports that was like straight up strawberry jam. A little dead on the nose, but still incredible.

The Barbeito was just another excellent Madeira, not a blockbuster, but certainly no slouch. Typical prailene and dried fruits, with a fairly dry finish. Excellent indeed.

Two people and 2.5 bottles drank... Feeling it today.

For cigars, I started off with Montecristo A, had a vintage Montecristo No. 2, and then a vintage Punch Churchill... Still tasting the cigars this morning...

I love it when you review your tastings!!!! It reminds me of when Dave does a review of something out of the ordinary from his collection!!!!!

Speaking of collections, Moses, Do you have any pics of your collection that you might want to share? Maybe a close up of that bottle from Prince Charles and Diana's wedding

[Chris.]

Once a bottle of Port is opened , How long do I have to finish it ? Does it go bad real quick or does it last a month or 2 once opened ? I've had the Fonseca Bin 27 and liked it . I just bought an Osborne tawny and a LBV 2001. Has anyone had either of these ? And what did you think of them ?

Adding to the question....Once it has been opened, should it be stored at room temp or in the fridge? Tried the six grapes last night. I liked it. Very sweet and smooth.:al

[Vitis]

Two people and 2.5 bottles drank... Feeling it today.


Nice hedonistic night! That much alcohol and residual sugar would have my head banging in the morning

~Vitis

[RichardW]

Sorry no pictures, but last night we had an excellent round up of port and Madeira:

[snip]
Two people and 2.5 bottles drank... Feeling it today.

For cigars, I started off with Montecristo A, had a vintage Montecristo No. 2, and then a vintage Punch Churchill... Still tasting the cigars this morning...


Yikes!! and I'll bet you're still feeling the 2.5 bottles :rolleyes:

[mosesbotbol]

Adding to the question....Once it has been opened, should it be stored at room temp or in the fridge? Tried the six grapes last night. I liked it. Very sweet and smooth.:al

Either way, but if you serve port cold, it will be more acidic and not as sweet. I would keep it out and put in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving again. Port should be served around 62 degrees.

[mosesbotbol]

I love it when you review your tastings!!!! It reminds me of when Dave does a review of something out of the ordinary from his collection!!!!!

Speaking of collections, Moses, Do you have any pics of your collection that you might want to share? Maybe a close up of that bottle from Prince Charles and Diana's wedding

I can't find the Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer Fonseca bottle picture :hm

Just poking around my photobucket album, I found this one:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/photo-5.jpg

Which was fun little Fonseca vertical we did earlier this year. The largest vertical we've done is with Croft, which actually was the most complete Croft vertical ever know to have been done. One participant actually went to a vertical at Croft in VNG, Portugal and we more vintages. It went from 1896 to 1970 with only a couple of vintages missing.

We've had well over 100 different vintages on our weekend port and cigar tastings. It begins to be a blur which ones I have had and haven't had.

[Skywalker]

I can't find the Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer Fonseca bottle picture :hm

Just poking around my photobucket album, I found this one:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/photo-5.jpg

Which was fun little Fonseca vertical we did earlier this year. The largest vertical we've done is with Croft, which actually was the most complete Croft vertical ever know to have been done. One participant actually went to a vertical at Croft in VNG, Portugal and we more vintages. It went from 1896 to 1970 with only a couple of vintages missing.

We've had well over 100 different vintages on our weekend port and cigar tastings. It begins to be a blur which ones I have had and haven't had.

Very nice!!!:tu

[ir13]

http://www.bevmo.com/Media/Images/ProductImagesFull/2694.jpg



Finally found a bottle locally and picked it up. Gonna pop this bottle with a few friends and enjoy a few smokes with it. This is by far my fav port ive had so far, but ive yet to get into the higher end ones bc of the fear of dropping good money and not liking it.

[romwarrior]

but ive yet to get into the higher end ones bc of the fear of dropping good money and not liking it.

I have the opposite fear. Fear of dropping good money and liking it too much!

[Chris.]

Finally found a bottle locally and picked it up. Gonna pop this bottle with a few friends and enjoy a few smokes with it. This is by far my fav port ive had so far, but ive yet to get into the higher end ones bc of the fear of dropping good money and not liking it.

I gotta try that with you Joey. I thought about picking that up a few days ago as well, but I still haven't finished my six grapes!

[RichardW]

I
Just poking around my photobucket album, I found this one:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/photo-5.jpg

[snip]




How did you pop the bottle top, Moses? :confused: That's a sweet little trick -- a lot more efficient than fishing and filtering.

[mosesbotbol]

How did you pop the bottle top, Moses? :confused: That's a sweet little trick -- a lot more efficient than fishing and filtering.

I used port tongs to cleave the end of the bottles off. Doing so allows the cork to be preserved for identification and prevents fishing the cork out. The tongs are fun to use and I have an acetilene (sp) torch just for this.

It's very easy to get a cork out of bottle that has been pushed in, but I'd rather not have to deal with it.

Rare and/or unique bottles I may pull the cork, but I generally do not save corks or bottles so they are of little concern.

[Old Sailor]

Taylor 10 & 20yr ....20 a little harder to find here, but well worth it.
Grahams 10yr
Fonseca White
Six Grapes

[Savvy]

Picked up a bottle of Taylor Fladgate 10 yr, and a bottle of Fonseca Bin 27 for a herf over the weekend. Looking forward to trying the Fladgate, and I know I like the Bin 27

[Bubba - NJ]

I just opened my first bottle of Osbourne Tawny Port tonight . Seemed a bit sweeter then the bottle of Fonseca Bin 27 I had previously . Can anybody give me a reference point about the sweetness levels of different types of port ? The ruby I've had seemed dryer then the Tawny and I've not yet tasted a LBV .

[mosesbotbol]

The risdual sugar levels are probably very close to both bottles you mentioned. The styles will have different levels of acid which change your perception and add to the dryness of port. It's the acid that makes it drier, not the RS level.

[Kreth]

I used port tongs to cleave the end of the bottles off. Doing so allows the cork to be preserved for identification and prevents fishing the cork out. The tongs are fun to use and I have an acetilene (sp) torch just for this.
You learn something every day. I'm a big port fan (although I usually stick with the local varieties). I Googled a few articles on the port tongs that were very interesting.

[s0leful0ne]

just had some Penfold's Tawny port. Rob suggested it because he is a big fan of their other wines. It was a very good port for only 10.99 at Total Wine.

[TheRiddick]

One of the most profound bottles I have had so far was provided by Roy Hersch, not sure if you know the guy or his Port newsletter (lives in Seattle). He brought the bottle to a dinner I organized in SF for local wine geeks and opened it, blind, after dinner. After letting every one enjoy the wine he asked all of us to guess the vintage. Some said '80s, some guessed '70s. I guessed '63-64 looking at the slight oxidation the color showed and the "more developed" complexity of the wine, after all, 40 years of age is pretty good as is. Turned out to be a Sandeman Vintage 1945, I was shocked at how well preserved the wine was, anyone else but Roy pouring it I would have said '80s, that young in appearance and color, taste as well: vibrant by all respects and still with a huge aging potential.

Too bad I can't afford a bottle.

[mosesbotbol]

One of the most profound bottles I have had so far was provided by Roy Hersh, not sure if you know the guy or his Port newsletter (lives in Seattle).

I know Roy fairly well. We have had a couple offline tastings, one of which was a nearly complete Croft vertical from 1896 to 1970 with every vintage represented and no off bottles! The previous evening we had 1927 Graham, 1948 Taylor, and several others that were big hits that are escaping me. The day after our Croft vertical, it was a 1967 Nacional with '54 Dalva White Colheita.

Last weekend I went to a "50 Years of Post War Graham" where 9 bottles were represented up to 1994,

[TheRiddick]

And I thought I am drinking well...

[ReggieFSULaw]

Fonseca makes good port. Anyone drink white port?

[mosesbotbol]

Fonseca makes good port. Anyone drink white port?

Fonseca is my favorite post war port house, followed by Grahams.

[mosesbotbol]

Here's yesterday's port tasting pictures:

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/2009-04-05Portevent002.jpg

From Left to Right:

1927 Taylor Vintage
1934 Da Silva "Vintage"
1935 Croft Vintage
1948 Warre Vintage
1955 Graham Vintage
1966 Dow Vintage
1977 Offley Vintage
1978 Taylor Crust Port

Here's our table just before the start.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh39/mosesbotbol/2009-04-05Portevent001.jpg

For food, we ate 1/2 lb of Iberico Jamon and Wild boar salami with an assortment of fancy cheese.

For cigars, started off with a Partagas Serie D., then Sancho Panza Corona, wind it up with a Cohiba Esplendidos.

I am all set for cigars and port for the rest of the week. Feeling it this morning...

[Chris.]

Man, that looks great! I would love to do some port tasting like that!

[tooomanycolors]

bogle tawny is nice

[WildBlueSooner]

I picked up a bottle of Gould Campbell 2001 Late Bottle Vintage...this will be my first port. Has anyone tried this?

[WildBlueSooner]

I picked up a bottle of Gould Campbell 2001 Late Bottle Vintage...this will be my first port. Has anyone tried this?

??

[mosesbotbol]

I picked up a bottle of Gould Campbell 2001 Late Bottle Vintage...this will be my first port. Has anyone tried this?

Gould Campbell is a good name in port. I would expect to be decent at a minimum. Let the bottle breathe for 4-6 hours after decanting through cheesecloth.

Please report back with your tasting impressions!

[WildBlueSooner]

Gould Campbell is a good name in port. I would expect to be decent at a minimum. Let the bottle breathe for 4-6 hours after decanting through cheesecloth.

Please report back with your tasting impressions!

Thanks and will do!! :ss

[SmokeyJoe]

Taylor 10 & 20yr ....20 a little harder to find here, but well worth it.
Grahams 10yr
Fonseca White
Six Grapes

Resurrecting a helpful thread. Appreciate all of the recommendations. :tu

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

How was the 94 vintage for Dow? Im looking for a nice bottle of port and 94 seems to get a lot of attention. 1977 was the other vintage I was looking at as well.

[G G]

I been drinking port for a few month's now and have something to confess. I have been driking the cheap ones you can buy at walmart, and ABC. i like it though so i guess thats all that matters. One of the brands is Taylor (but i dont think it's the same Taylor as referred to here) and the other is Fairbanks.

[TheRiddick]

How was the 94 vintage for Dow? Im looking for a nice bottle of port and 94 seems to get a lot of attention. 1977 was the other vintage I was looking at as well.

IIRC, '94 was a great vintage for all, I don't think you can go wrong.

[mosesbotbol]

How was the 94 vintage for Dow? Im looking for a nice bottle of port and 94 seems to get a lot of attention. 1977 was the other vintage I was looking at as well.

1994 Dow is one of the best of the vintage. Approachable already and quite awesome. Fat and lucious for a Dow. I had a bottle about 4 months go. I would go for the 1994 Dow over 1977 as the '77 has had a lot of bottle variance. I have had the '77 Dow at least 15 times and few weren't so hot. 1994 is less expensive too.

Not saying to stay away from '77 Dow, just bringing what could be an issue to your attention.

[mosesbotbol]

I been drinking port for a few month's now and have something to confess. I have been driking the cheap ones you can buy at walmart, and ABC. i like it though so i guess thats all that matters. One of the brands is Taylor (but i dont think it's the same Taylor as referred to here) and the other is Fairbanks.

Taylor USA and Fairbanks, you're a high roller :r Everything OK? Do we need a fundraiser for you? Just kidding. My girlfriend's mom drinks that "Taylor".

My tip is to buy port from Portugal.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

1994 Dow is one of the best of the vintage. Approachable already and quite awesome. Fat and lucious for a Dow. I had a bottle about 4 months go. I would go for the 1994 Dow over 1977 as the '77 has had a lot of bottle variance. I have had the '77 Dow at least 15 times and few weren't so hot. 1994 is less expensive too.

Not saying to stay away from '77 Dow, just bringing what could be an issue to your attention.


1994 was an epic year for port. Weather was perfect. Maybe Ill get a 1994 Dow and maybe a Warre from the same vintage. Both 94's maybe be close to the same price as one bottle of 77' Dow.

[G G]

Taylor USA and Fairbanks, you're a high roller :r Everything OK? Do we need a fundraiser for you? Just kidding. My girlfriend's mom drinks that "Taylor".

My tip is to buy port from Portugal.
Tastes good to me bro.:tu

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Offley Forrester 1977 could be a play. About $40 less than Dow. Ever have this Moses?

[mosesbotbol]

1994 was an epic year for port. Weather was perfect. Maybe Ill get a 1994 Dow and maybe a Warre from the same vintage. Both 94's maybe be close to the same price as one bottle of 77' Dow.

I have a case of '94 Warre and it's typical Warre style; elegant and subtle. I would wait longer to drink the Warre if possible. My friend had a case of the '94 Warre and we drank through it last summer. Warre will need two days decanting to really shine.


Offley Forrester 1977 could be a play. About $40 less than Dow. Ever have this Moses?.

Not sure if I have had their '77, but probably. I know I have had '70 and '27 off the top of my head; both were decent. If it's $40 less than the Dow, I would buy it for sure (depends on what your were paying for the Dow).

Do you mind stating what the actual price you are buying it for and I can give you better opinion? Offley is a sleeper brand that has never had much penetration in the US.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I have a case of '94 Warre and it's typical Warre style; elegant and subtle. I would wait longer to drink the Warre if possible. My friend had a case of the '94 Warre and we drank through it last summer. Warre will need two days decanting to really shine.




Not sure if I have had their '77, but probably. I know I have had '70 and '27 off the top of my head; both were decent. If it's $40 less than the Dow, I would buy it for sure (depends on what your were paying for the Dow).

Do you mind stating what the actual price you are buying it for and I can give you better opinion? Offley is a sleeper brand that has never had much penetration in the US.

Dow 1977 is $120 and the 77 Offley is $85. Do these seem to be reasonable prices?

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Some other offerings from Offley I've seen around are 85' and 94' vintages. Both are about 60 bucks.

[mosesbotbol]

Dow 1977 is $120 and the 77 Offley is $85. Do these seem to be reasonable prices?

I would not pay that for the Dow, kind of borderline on the Offley. I've bought '77 Dow for $70 at auction, for instance.


Some other offerings from Offley I've seen around are 85' and 94' vintages. Both are about 60 bucks.

Both vintages are going to be little hot on the alcohol, but the '85 is OK. The Warre & Dow '94 are the two best mentioned on this page.

[KDKLOSS]

What ports have you drank that you have enjoyed and where did you find em.

Just wanting to make a thread to see how many of my fellow BOTL enjoy Port.



I just had a bottle of Taylor Fladgate 10 Year and cant wait to try and find another bottle locally, it was extremely good to me.

Another recent port i had was the Sandeman's Founders Reserve, was very smooth and i already got another bottle.

The Sandeman's Founders Reserve is one of my favorites as well.

[mosesbotbol]

The Sandeman's Founders Reserve is one of my favorites as well.

Sandeman's 20 year tawny is one of the best out there. Not sure if I have ever had the Founders Reserve? Is that the one in the frosted glass?

[M.D.M.]

What ports have you drank that you have enjoyed and where did you find em.

Just wanting to make a thread to see how many of my fellow BOTL enjoy Port.



I just had a bottle of Taylor Fladgate 10 Year and cant wait to try and find another bottle locally, it was extremely good to me.

Another recent port i had was the Sandeman's Founders Reserve, was very smooth and i already got another bottle.


Glad to see there's a port thread here!

TF 10 year is my go-to Tawny port. I've had most of the other brands and nothing comes close IMO.

Though I like tawny, I'm a huge fan of vintage port. And the recession has made a lot of bottles at auction a lot more reasonable. I've been able to get my hands on 1977 Taylor Fladgate, 1977 Fonseca, 1985 Fonseca, and a few others. The 77 Fonseca is by far the best beverage I've ever tasted.

[M.D.M.]

1994 was an epic year for port. Weather was perfect. Maybe Ill get a 1994 Dow and maybe a Warre from the same vintage. Both 94's maybe be close to the same price as one bottle of 77' Dow.

I've got 3 bottles of '94 dow in the basement...it is a HUGE wine. I'm planning on waiting another 4 years before I open the first bottle. I haven't had the 77 Dow, but if it's anything like others from the vintage, you won't be disappointed.

[mosesbotbol]

I've got 3 bottles of '94 dow in the basement...it is a HUGE wine. I'm planning on waiting another 4 years before I open the first bottle. I haven't had the 77 Dow, but if it's anything like others from the vintage, you won't be disappointed.

Have you had the '94 Dow before? It can be opened now, or later. Normally I would not suggest opening such a young vintage, but I bottle of '94 was given to me to see that it is possible to enjoy this vintage now.

1977 Dow can be winner but there is a lot of bottle variation and I would suggest to stay away unless you buying such bottles is not an expense. I have had TCA in the '77 Dow a few times. I would suggest 1963 or 1970 Dow over the 1977 any day. If you like a drier vintage with seemingly endless aging potential, go for the 1985 Dow. 1980 & 1983 Dow's are sleepers than be be had for short money. I had an '83 Dow last night actually...

[mosesbotbol]

Glad to see there's a port thread here!

Though I like tawny, I'm a huge fan of vintage port. And the recession has made a lot of bottles at auction a lot more reasonable. I've been able to get my hands on 1977 Taylor Fladgate, 1977 Fonseca, 1985 Fonseca, and a few others. The 77 Fonseca is by far the best beverage I've ever tasted.

I have found auction prices for port to have risen a lot over the last 2 years.

Just about every vintage of Fonseca (or Taylor) is outstanding. Fonseca is a port that does declines at a snail's pace. It may not be as vibrant as Taylor, yet just keeps ticking away. I love the 1935, 1948,1955, 1963, 1970... Actually the only one most ever think twice on is 1983 and that is still solid if bought well.

[M.D.M.]

Have you had the '94 Dow before? It can be opened now, or later. Normally I would not suggest opening such a young vintage, but I bottle of '94 was given to me to see that it is possible to enjoy this vintage now.

1977 Dow can be winner but there is a lot of bottle variation and I would suggest to stay away unless you buying such bottles is not an expense. I have had TCA in the '77 Dow a few times. I would suggest 1963 or 1970 Dow over the 1977 any day. If you like a drier vintage with seemingly endless aging potential, go for the 1985 Dow. 1980 & 1983 Dow's are sleepers than be be had for short money. I had an '83 Dow last night actually...

I've had the '94 Dow twice before, two years ago and three years ago. Definitely drinkable now, but nowhere near it's peak, IMO. For the $120 price, I'd also suggest moving to the 77 Taylor or adding a few more $$ and getting the 77 Fonseca :xxx

[M.D.M.]

I have found auction prices for port to have risen a lot over the last 2 years.



Hmmm, I've noticed the opposite. What auctions do you use?

[kaisersozei]

I been drinking port for a few month's now and have something to confess. I have been driking the cheap ones you can buy at walmart, and ABC. i like it though so i guess thats all that matters. One of the brands is Taylor (but i dont think it's the same Taylor as referred to here) and the other is Fairbanks.

The wife & I have taken to drinking tawny ports, but usually the $20 & under variety: Fonseca, Warre's, Sandeman, and a few that she picks up on occasion from either Australia or somewhere in Africa (I think.) I guess they're like the Bud Light of portdom, but we like it! :tu

[SilverFox]

The wife & I have taken to drinking tawny ports, but usually the $20 & under variety: Fonseca, Warre's, Sandeman, and a few that she picks up on occasion from either Australia or somewhere in Africa (I think.) I guess they're like the Bud Light of portdom, but we like it! :tu

One of the local places here had a sale on Warre's Otima 10yr Tawny so I picked up 20 bottles.

It can cellar for around 20 yrs not that it will last that long :)

[mosesbotbol]

One of the local places here had a sale on Warre's Otima 10yr Tawny so I picked up 20 bottles.

It can cellar for around 20 yrs not that it will last that long :)

Warre Otima is a good port. If you like bottle aged tawny, look for their Nimrod bottles. They are no longer being made and quite good.

I would not cellar any tawny or Colheita that long. Both are meant to be drunk right after bottling. I would not go more than 4 years after bottling date. The freshness and vibrancy fades in the bottle.

[G G]

The wife & I have taken to drinking tawny ports, but usually the $20 & under variety: Fonseca, Warre's, Sandeman, and a few that she picks up on occasion from either Australia or somewhere in Africa (I think.) I guess they're like the Bud Light of portdom, but we like it! :tu
Thanks, thought i was the only one that liked the cheap stuff.:banger

[darkleeroy]

After reading the majority of this thread, I just bought myself a bottle of Taylor Fladgate 10 year. I haven't been able to taste it with cigars, but my first impression when I tasted it by itself was: raisins. Cool alcoholic raisins.

[mosesbotbol]

After reading the majority of this thread, I just bought myself a bottle of Taylor Fladgate 10 year. I haven't been able to taste it with cigars, but my first impression when I tasted it by itself was: raisins. Cool alcoholic raisins.

Fair description. Serve it very lightly chilled, like 20 minutes in fridge.