Although we often talk about the high end spectrum of the Port world, I am sure that everyone tries some cheapies on occasion. I know that I do, even if it is just to try a few sips before making a Port reduction out of a reasonably priced bottle. But there is nothing wrong with drinking less expensive stuff. Please keep your responses to Port made in Portugal.
Other than that, it is all good.
I've always enjoyed Graham's Six Grapes. For around the $15-16 mark you can't go wrong.
For a inexpensive white Port:
On a warm summer day, Niepoort's Dry White Port or if I'm in the mood for a sweeter white Krohn's Lagrima heavily chilled is perfect. Both are no more than $11-12 bottle, so a good QPR.
My favorite "filler" port right now is Broadbent Auction Reserve. I don't know whether or not it really qualifies as inexpensive because it usually runs $20 or a little more, but it's certainly less expensive than my normal ports!
What is inexpensive? With our duty on alcohol, a fortified wine like port is never really that cheap anyway, so for me, LBV and 10YO Tawny are just about the least expensive ports it makes sense to drink, and I gravitate towards Niepoort and Quinta do Noval for the former, Niepoort for the latter.
Even stuff like Niepoort's Junior and Senior Tawnies, Niepoort Ruby Reserva and Churchill's Vintage Character are only marginally less expensive, and Churchill's Crusted Port costs more than the said LBV, so the only question for me is LBV or tawny. But I do of course try other brands occasionally to get some variety.
You know, I am really enjoying this thread tremendously. It is great to gain insight into what most people are drinking regularly rather than on special occasions.
For inexpensive Port I go with the Ferreira LBVs, Graham's Six Grapes, Niepoort 10 year old Tawny, Sandeman Founder's Reserve.
For inexpensive Madeira: I typically drink the Broadbent 10 year old Malmsey or Barbeito's VB (a rather dry blend of Verdelho and Bual).
Ted D wrote:Warres LBV!
Available at the local state liquor store for about $20
Hi Ted,
Which year(s) are your favorite? I have a few bottles of '99 and '95, and am thinking of opening one this week. Any recommendations?
Gary - I would heavily recommend the '95 Warre's at the moment. Clearly the better of the two (IMHO) The '99 seemed a bit thin and weak. Perhaps it will smarten up with a bit of age... (I'm hoping so)
My daily drinkers are Graham's Six Grapes - Solid Ruby (better than some, if not many, LBVs that I have had).
I love the Noval unfiltered LBVs. 2001 is my favourite, 2000 was great too. Some of the, are more expensive than just a cheapie though, so it is tough to justify them, as a "inexpensive" Port.
My favourite "cheap" port is the one that is currently in my glass: Morgan 1991 VP - a great house port which some of us in the UK managed to secure for a price that would make you guys over the pond launch a Naval Fleet to acquire if I told you exactly how cheap it was.
Let's just say it is a great QPR port and leave it at that
I really enjoy Churchill's LBVs. I've found them to be a very nice everyday Port. Taylor's First Estate is another bottling at the lower end of the spectrum that seems to be very well made and is actually quite impressive considering the price point.
Derek T. wrote:My favourite "cheap" port is the one that is currently in my glass: Morgan 1991 VP - a great house port which some of us in the UK managed to secure for a price that would make you guys over the pond launch a Naval Fleet to acquire if I told you exactly how cheap it was.
Let's just say it is a great QPR port and leave it at that
Derek
Derek,
I haven't forgotten how much you acquired those for, nor the quantities available in a certain uncle's cellar! Seeing as how I doubt I'll ever see a Morgan '91 on a shelf in North America, I will have to take a trip over the pond to see if said uncle will allow me to remove a few bottles from said bomb shelter. Or even to try a bottle with you so I can finally taste it...