For The Love Of Port

Jay, You are so right, the Ah-So is the best cork puller I have bought to date. It makes getting those old VP corks out in one piece so much easier. I've started to use the Ah-So on even the younger stuff that reall doesn't need it just becuase the cork stays totally intaked and no holes. (I save a ...

Thanks Roy,

Darn, I thought I'd have a year or two to save some $$$ before another large purchase of VP's. I guess I better start saving now for the 2004's (just in case).

Tell your wife I do the same as you. I keep some of the more notable empties around. Most are in a wine rack in my den. It is fun to keep those old bottles becuase of the history and the fact you will probably never see one again (or most others for that matter). My collections also provided a great...

I to agree with your philosophy of longer decanting times. Just this past weekend at a dinner I opened a 1986 Dows Quinta Do Bofim, decanted for about 3 hours prior to the first full glass (although several small samples along the way). Still some alcohol apparent and slighlty muted flavors. By the ...

About every few weeks i go over my list to see what is reaching or at its peak. Then I pull several (depending on what events I need to take wine to) and put them in the front so they are easy to get to. This also helps for those impromtu "I need a bottle, quick" days. I started using &quo...

Well, i found a bottle today at an obscure little store, so I got one to try. I agreed with Roy's assesment. A lot of alcohol, which started to blow off after about 20 minutes in the glass. It definitely reminded me of a thin Muscat, but much darker (like Roy said "coffee"). Since my asses...

FWIW, A friend tried it and said it was no where near as good as last years and after trying it he didn't buy any. But, that is only 1 persons opinion, If I get a chance this weekend, I may try and swing by Wine-ex and pick one up, just to try since its so cheap. If I do I'll let you know.

Fred,

Thanks for the info.

AV

I ordered 2 cases of 03 futures this past weekend from Wine Exchange. At the time they said they only had 2 bottles of Fonseca left, which I ordered ( i originally wanted 6 bottles). I called back yesterday and they had a computer glitch and added on the remaining 4 :D So, if you tried to order some...

I have 2 bottles of this Dows and I was wondering if they are drinking good right now or should I wait? If they are drinking good right now, how long should I decant before drinking? I have a dinner on Friday and was thinking of taking a bottle if they were ready to drink. Thanks in advance for any ...

Cool, thanks

Jay, I agree, I tend to not bring a port to a dinner with more than 4-6 people. It seems that anymore than this amount means that a lot of wine is openned before and during dinner. By the time dinner is done most people are already too intoxicated to really care and/or appreciate a fine port. I tend...

Roy,

thank you for the info. I had no idea that Madeira was so durable, even after openning. I definitely plan to track down the Broadbent 10-year old Malmsey and give it a shot. When I try it I'll be sure to let everyone know how it goes.

Sandeman Vau Vintage is excellent for that. I've tasted the 97 and 2000, both are really good with nice flesh and freshness in its youth. I too have had the 97 Vau Vintage and also the 99. Both are very nice for a very young VP. If I'm not mistaken, Sandman created the Vau Vintage line specifically...

Well, I didn't open it, but I was out for dinner in Pasadena with some friends and saw the bar had a 20 year old Dows Tawny, so I thought, what the heck since I've never had it. It was very nice. Not very dark in color, with a little alcohol, and a fairly long finish. I would definitily buy a bottle...

Since I have only had Madeira once, what would be some good recommendations to start with. Preferably not too expensive (well, I say that now but I'm sure things will change in time). Also, what is the major difference between Madeira and Port. I'm sure it has large differences but I just don't know...

Yeah, chill out Roy.. :wink: Just kidding...Actually, I'm sure a lot are like me. Still relatively a newcomer to port and Madeira (I've only had one of the latter and that was about 2 months ago). I've had a couple of postings so far, but, for right now anyways, it is more important for me that I re...

At this point about 1/3 is port/desert wines. Although it is growing larger because I have really slowed down on buying wine, in favor of buying ports instead.

My comfort zone is usually $55 to $80 US dollar range. Although i have spend more for a few older 1960's, 1970, and 1977 VP's just get a very small cellar started with some older stuff. Since I am only 32 years and have some time ahead (I'm inside so lightening can't get me, haha) I am now starting ...