Broadbent Auction Reserve Port

[Glenn E.]

My first taste of Broadbent Auction Reserve was at a local wine store tasting event, and I was surprised to actually enjoy it. I normally find "reserves" to be too tannic for me, and I also frequently find a sour or sharp "twist" in them at the very beginning of the finish. I noticed neither of these traits in the Broadbent, so I picked up two half bottles at the event.

I have now opened both halves and purchased 2 more. It's a great "betweener" for me - something to open when I know I won't be able to finish a new full bottle quickly enough, but have run out of my last full bottle before being satiated.

This Port needs very little time in a decanter - a mere hour seems sufficient. I have not noticed much change over a 3-4 day period and all I do is re-stopper the bottle.

It's very fruity, which I like, but it seems almost flat if that word can be used to describe a non-carbonated beverage. Lots of sweet black fruit flavors, very little tartness. Blackberry jam on the nose. It's just not as full as a VP with a simliarly fruity/jammy profile - something's missing in the middle.

That criticism comes from a VP point of view, though. For a plain Ruby or Reserva, it's very good. An exceptional value in the $15-$20 range. (My splits were $12 at the tasting event, and later $10 at Whole Foods.)

[Moses Botbol]

Broadbent Ports are made by Niepoort from what I gather.

Do all Whole Foods carry them (that sell alcohol)? I think Martignetti's in Boston sells Broadbent port as well.

[Glenn E.]

I don't know for sure - I don't shop at Whole Foods all that often. (They're more expensive than QFC or Safeway.) I pretty pleased any time I find a grocery store that carries something beyond Graham's Six Grapes!