What Port(s) have you purchased this week?

[Mike J. W.]

Here’s an odd one I’ve never seen or ever seen a TN on before. 1940 Sandeman VP, bottled in 1942. Couldn’t say no just out of curiosity.

Come to think about it, can’t recall ever seeing a TN on any 1940 VP…tawny, yes, but not a VP

Where did you find it, Andy? And if you don't mind saying, how much did you pay for it all in? Is the bottle in relatively decent shape? That should be an interesting bottle when it's opened. Hopefully it shows well.

[Andy Velebil]

Here’s an odd one I’ve never seen or ever seen a TN on before. 1940 Sandeman VP, bottled in 1942. Couldn’t say no just out of curiosity.

Come to think about it, can’t recall ever seeing a TN on any 1940 VP…tawny, yes, but not a VP

Where did you find it, Andy? And if you don't mind saying, how much did you pay for it all in? Is the bottle in relatively decent shape? That should be an interesting bottle when it's opened. Hopefully it shows well.

A local auction for $386 all in. Not cheap but not expensive given its age and rarity. Fill is into the neck and appears well stored with a branded wax top. I looked at it very very closely and don’t see any bad signs. I do know the port was made and sold (Thanks to Julian’s book) so know it does exist.

[Mike J. W.]

Here’s an odd one I’ve never seen or ever seen a TN on before. 1940 Sandeman VP, bottled in 1942. Couldn’t say no just out of curiosity.

Come to think about it, can’t recall ever seeing a TN on any 1940 VP…tawny, yes, but not a VP

Where did you find it, Andy? And if you don't mind saying, how much did you pay for it all in? Is the bottle in relatively decent shape? That should be an interesting bottle when it's opened. Hopefully it shows well.

A local auction for $386 all in. Not cheap but not expensive given its age and rarity. Fill is into the neck and appears well stored with a branded wax top. I looked at it very very closely and don’t see any bad signs. I do know the port was made and sold (Thanks to Julian’s book) so know it does exist.

I'd agree, the price sounds fair based on it's age and rarity. And the fact that the bottle is in such good shape bodes well. Congrats!

[Lucas S]

It's pretty crazy that it was both able to be picked and vinified in the middle of the war, and that it survived confiscation by soldiers at the time. Portugal being a bit out of the way must have spared them.

[A.S. Demka]

It's pretty crazy that it was both able to be picked and vinified in the middle of the war, and that it survived confiscation by soldiers at the time. Portugal being a bit out of the way must have spared them.

Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden and Spain were ‘neutral countries’ in 1940-1945.

[Mike J. W.]

1 x S. Leonardo 30 y.o. white obtained in a trade with Vince K. from the board
1 x 1987 Ferreira VP from Auction

[A.S. Demka]

6x Niepoort vintage 2022 (1x OWC)

[Al B.]

12 Vesuvio 2022
3 Capela do Vesuvio 2022

Just to keep my verticals going.

[Gerwin de Graaf]

Quinta da Devesa Finest White Reserve 1973 - 3 bottles (500 ml)
Very happy with these !

[Glenn E.]

5 x 1991 Vesuvio
1 x 2003 Quinta do Noval Silval

I didn't realize that Noval also made a Silval in 2003, so thought I'd give it a try. I really like the regular 2003 Noval.

1 x 1984 Graham's Malvedos

A couple of the Vesuvios and the Malvedos are birth year Ports for a wedding. 1991 isn't too bad, but 1984 is a tough year! I'm going to have to "fill in" with 40 yo Tawnies. Oh darn.

[Andy Velebil]

5 x 1991 Vesuvio
1 x 2003 Quinta do Noval Silval

I didn't realize that Noval also made a Silval in 2003, so thought I'd give it a try. I really like the regular 2003 Noval.

1 x 1984 Graham's Malvedos

A couple of the Vesuvios and the Malvedos are birth year Ports for a wedding. 1991 isn't too bad, but 1984 is a tough year! I'm going to have to "fill in" with 40 yo Tawnies. Oh darn.

From memory. 2003 Silval is ready to go.

So is 1991 Vesuvio (from mag is fully ready to go so don’t wait on those too long).

[A.S. Demka]

At Sylvie’s wine auction last Thursday:
Barros 100th Anniversary Special Edition Very Old Tawny, bottled in 2013

[Mike J. W.]

1 x 2019 Niepoort LBV
1 x 1995 Martinez Quinta Da Chousa
2 x 1994 Dow VP
1 x 2000 Dow VP

[Claus P]

6 x 1985 Fonseca VP
6 x 1994 warre VP
6 x 1994 Croft VP
3 x 1978 Burmester Colheita

Now of to find some room in the cellar

[Mike J. W.]

6 x 1985 Fonseca VP
6 x 1994 warre VP
6 x 1994 Croft VP
3 x 1978 Burmester Colheita

Now of to find some room in the cellar

Claus,

Those are great pick ups!

[Roy Hersh]

1985 Qta da Romaneira VP en magnum

1912 Niepoort Colheita


Both purchased at same place in Porto a few days apart. Great fill levels and worthwhile prices, considering in horizontal displays in a restaurant.

[Glenn E.]

5 x 1991 Vesuvio
1 x 2003 Quinta do Noval Silval

I didn't realize that Noval also made a Silval in 2003, so thought I'd give it a try. I really like the regular 2003 Noval.

1 x 1984 Graham's Malvedos

A couple of the Vesuvios and the Malvedos are birth year Ports for a wedding. 1991 isn't too bad, but 1984 is a tough year! I'm going to have to "fill in" with 40 yo Tawnies. Oh darn.

From memory. 2003 Silval is ready to go.

So is 1991 Vesuvio (from mag is fully ready to go so don’t wait on those too long).

The 1991 Vesuvio that we opened at my niece's wedding was surprisingly youthful and showed no Douro bake at all, but yeah it's probably safe to call it ready. It might still have some slight improvement to come as it continues to age, but from this particular bottle it certainly didn't seem like there is any rush to drink them. It had a good 10 years left - maybe even 15 - before it would start to fade.

The Silval was opened at the last Port Club, and it was definitely ready to go. IIRC it was the least favorite of the 5 bottles from 2003, with the Noval VP and the Taylor filtered LBV sharing POTF honors. The Noval and Quevedo unfiltered LBVs were both very nice and, at least for me, were not screaming "drink up!" They're ready, though... at 21 years old. I'll check on 'em again in another 5 years. I have 3 or 4 of each left from 6-packs that I bought on release.

[Eric Menchen]

The Silval was opened at the last Port Club, and it was definitely ready to go. IIRC it was the least favorite of the 5 bottles from 2003 ...

Phew--I just checked my inventory and I have a bunch of 2007 Noval Silval. I've pulled one to check on in the near future.

[John M.]

Quinta do Vallado 20 Year Tawny (500ml) on the recommendation of the wine section. I've not had before---thinking be great over Thanksgiving. But I have to show you the packaging and the inclusion of a T Cork (must be a driven cork or a spare -- curious) and a prominent Robert Parker Rating sticker on the case and bottle (right on the back of the Seal of Gar.). Pretty container (nice yellow) and fun bottle (a lot of producers are using this shape for 500ml--Q de la Rosa, Pacheca for a couple)

[Edward J]

Here’s an odd one I’ve never seen or ever seen a TN on before. 1940 Sandeman VP, bottled in 1942. Couldn’t say no just out of curiosity.

Come to think about it, can’t recall ever seeing a TN on any 1940 VP…tawny, yes, but not a VP

Where did you find it, Andy? And if you don't mind saying, how much did you pay for it all in? Is the bottle in relatively decent shape? That should be an interesting bottle when it's opened. Hopefully it shows well.

A local auction for $386 all in. Not cheap but not expensive given its age and rarity. Fill is into the neck and appears well stored with a branded wax top. I looked at it very very closely and don’t see any bad signs. I do know the port was made and sold (Thanks to Julian’s book) so know it does exist.

As I was checking my local auction house I perused a 1940 Sandeman Vintage Port, ending the 10th, no current bids, starting at $325. Bottle appears in good condition and a low neck fill. Of more interest to me are the 2 bottles of the '63 that is also up for bid, currently $350.