For The Love Of Port

Andy,

This is the first dry wine from Dirk I have had. I really don't have anything to compare to except other producers from the Douro. Have you had this wine yet?

Michael

Most likely port on the 24th, have to work on the 26th. Discovered a 55 Croft in my cellar the other day, I think that is the one for Christmas eve.

Michael

Had this last night, decanted for 2 hours (last minute wine selection). Medium deep dark purple color with a touch of red. Youthful, pronounced aromatic of ripe dark fruits and spice. Very port-like, of course. Medium body, balancing structure, fruit character similar to the nose. Good concentration...

Have a couple of bottles and was wondering if anyone knew anything about it. Thanks

Michael

I really never listened to Frank. Don't eat yellow snow was a cool thing for us to say back then, though.

Michael

For me nothing specific but some Chave Hermitage ranging from 1988 to 2005. Also a little Gaja from 1997. Hard to say which is the best. 1964 Latour was very tasty (my wife's birth year). 1999 Cristal was very good.

Michael

Roy I think I have noticed that too. I will keep tabs on a couple of decanters.

Looking back at notes from years past I have had some corked '97's as well (FWIF).

Michael

I have not had a good bottle in a while, I think I will grab some of mine to see how things are going with this wine. I might have to keep opening bottles, but I will for the sake of research.

Will report back this weekend.

Michael

Of the probably 6 or 7 bottles I have opened in my life at least half have been corked. I am sorry I still have almost a case left.

Michael

I will try to buy some 2006(and bordeaux) for our son, but I am sure with all the port we have now he will get some after we are gone. I hope we drink up at least everything before 1970 though.

MIchael

No problem. :? How do you do that?

1994 Graham's. Tasted the same night as the Crasto '94, 11-15 08. Purchased and cellared since release. Decanted around 2 pm. Also grainy sediment. Surprisingly small cork(about half the size of the '97 Gaja Sori Tilden cork we had for dinner that night) which finally broke. Dark purple color, reddi...

In a perfect world, I would wait for 10 more years for some secondary nuances to be present. There is a lot of fruit, but the structure is very balanced now. I do not think this is a 50 year port. What say you?

MIchael

Tasted last night (11-15 08). Purchased and cellared since release. Decanted approx. 2 pm. Grainy sediment. Deep opaque purple color with a ruby red rim. Medium intense aromas of youthful spicy purple berries and plum, some licorice. Not too complex at this stage. Sweet, medium full body, tannins ar...

Roy,

By the way,

I think the first time we met was a 1994 tasting in San Francisco some years ago with BB and a few others. What was the name of the guy who put it on? He made some sparkling wine that was not bad.

Michael

I have not tasted any 94s in a while. I will open a couple tomorrow night to see how things are progressing, and to compare notes with you guys. I have all you have plus Crasto and Kopke. Should I open these to fill in the gaps?

Michael

Actually this is one of the lightest (color, flavor, etc.) bottles of the Taylor's 63 that I have had. Do not know provenance before me. I bought these cases 15 years ago and have shown beautifully in past bottles. Always interesting. I usually decant well in advance, but this was a " hey go ge...

Opened last night, sort of a last minute pop and pour, decanted maybe 30 minutes. Light ruby color, browning at the rim. Candied aromas of plum, red cherries, licorice. Totally resolved tannin, full body. Delicious flavors of sweet red fruits similar to the nose. A touch hot. Perfect after the 1991 ...

Roy,

It has been too long. I would love to come out. Let me see how things go. How about donations to the event?

Michael

I work until 11, so Sunday it will be either the 55 or 63 Taylors.

Michael