For The Love Of Port

While I have had so me incredible Portos over the years, I must have some kind of mental block against giving any of them 100 points. I feel like I couldn’t accept that there wouldn’t be anything better, it would feel like the end of a journey for me- and I’m not done,

This was just a great trip all around. I had three friends who had not been there previously, so I had a chance to visit some lodges I hadn’t been to for a while- we had flights at Noval, Graham’s (stayed for dinner at Vinum) and Calum in addition to the tasting in Jonny’s private cellar at Churchil...

Ricardo Nunes at Churchill’s/Quinta da Gricha was incredibly gracious and insightful- learned so much.

If I win the Powerball, you’ll be able to find me in Pinhão.

We have been to Porto a bunch of times, but for various reasons I have never been able to visit during the harvest. Seems like Porto is getting busier and busier every time we go, but the Douro Valley is always a calm and quiet. Spent a day at Quinta da Gricha and had a glorious time. Was finally ab...

Before installing wine shelving in the space under the stairs, I kept bottles (neatly) stacked and would occasionally squeeze through the small opening. In the hall closet to get into the space to grab wines. It’s dark and cool and still and a great place to keep wine, but there was no proper shelvi...

I’ll take them in any form state. Thank you.

Ferreira Duque de Bragança 20 year-old tawny (bottled 2017). In my mind this is a benchmark, old school 20 y.o. Tawny. I love the style. Smoky, high acidity, good citrus and caramel elements and just the right amount of sweetness to balance it all out. It's smooth and delicious. I actually have not...

Tonight selection is an interesting one -particularly to me- as this is from the very first batch of Porto I ever purchased back when I was in college. 1985 was not a great vintage, and most of the wines I’ve had from 1985 have been underwhelming. Every few years I open a bottle from this first batc...

We had a corked bottle a few weeks ago. I’ve only had a couple, but it’s so heartbreaking when you’re looking forward to it, go through the ritual of decanting it, only to have this crummy surprise. Wondering if it recovered at all? It recovered slightly. It's drinkable but there's definitely some T...

Wondering if it recovered at all?

Tonight’s selection. Decanted about two hours ago for dinner at 7. Very promising immediately after decanted. Lovely nose. Big relief to not have another corked bottle after the last one. Will follow up.

This is going to sound ridiculous, so please bear with me: I am collecting the paper Selo from as many bottles of Port as I can acquire. I hope it's not too crazy of a request, but if you could possible save as many intact ones as you can for the coming months, I’d be super grateful. I’m hoping to h...

We opened a second bottle from the same batch and it was lovely. I just hate losing a nice bottle. Thinking I may try cooking with it and see if the TCA taste gets burned off.

We decided to see how our Taylor Fladgate 2000 Vintage was faring, and much to our disappointment, the first bottle was well and truly TCA’d to ruin. Very, VERY disappointed.

-Andrew

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. All of our condolences to his family.

I have not had the 2008, but the majority of Malvedos are solid and often excellent.

Mike J. W. wrote: ↑Mon Feb 23, 2026 9:57 am That's a great looking glass of Port! It sounds like you had a wonderful bottle. Let us know how it shows over the next several days.

I’m afraid I can’t do that- we kicked it last night.

Deep, dark red color with a brownish rim. Initial flavours are black cherry, red apple. Very fruit forward. No burn whatsoever. Shorter finish than expected with honey and cognac, but overall, this is a big- no HUGE vintage ruby. May be peaking right now, but can’t say for sure- the 1500cc is aging ...

Is the photo in the first part of this posting? It was for me before, but not now. 1977 TF VP.

Filtered some of the sediment to save it.