Seattle-based Port Tasting @ Esquin's 12/17

[Roy Hersh]

It is being billed as, "From Tawny's to vintage." 5:00-6:30 p.m.


I am going to try to make it before my flight and hope to see you there for some!

[Glenn E.]

For once a Thursday night works as an advantage. I'll see you there!

[Jay C]

It is already on the calendar and I'm psyched.

[Glenn E.]

I'll be wearing a black FTLOP polo shirt... hope to see some of you there!

[Jay C]

Just got word from one of the employees that there will be a '77 Kopke...

[Glenn E.]

Just got word from one of the employees that there will be a '77 Kopke...

There was!

I was there promptly at 4:45 (I can't predict Seattle traffic) and so was done along with the first group at about 5:20. I loitered in the store for another 10 minutes or so but didn't see anyone I recognized, so I picked up a bottle of the 2003 Taylor LBV and headed home.

The lineup:

Porto Rocha Lagrima
Porto Rocha 10-yr Old
2003 (?) Porto Rocha LBV
1977 Kopke Colheita
2007 Porto Rocha Vintage Port

I got excited because their marker board was displaying the 1977 Porto Rocha Colheita, but it wasn't true. She did say that they're now all out of the 1977 Kopke Colheita as well, and that the last 5 bottles (and 6 halves) on the planet were sitting on the counter for sale. I've had both the Rocha and the Kopke, though, and prefer the Rocha so I didn't buy any of the remaining supply.

[Steve E.]

I ended up at Seattle Wine Co.'s port tasting tonight. It's pretty much on my way home. They had:

Kopke:
Rose
10 yr Tawny
1979 Colheita
1989 Colheita
1999 Colheita

For $5 you got to taste:
Porta Rocha Glorious 50th
Porta Rocha 3 Centuries of Port

[Andy Velebil]

Steve,
Curious as to what you thought of the Kopke Rose?

[Markus D.]

Steve,
Curious as to what you thought of the Kopke Rose?

Andy, I tried this one a few weeks ago in Porto (my first Rose, though I've since also tried Quevedo's Rose @ Vinologia's) and I liked it and found it interesting. My tasting notes say sweet, little tarty, some oak, light berries and medium dry. Rated it 85. If I could find it, it'd be nice to serve as an aperitif for an upcoming dinner.

[Andy Velebil]

Marcus,
Thanks for thoughts on this one. I've only had the Kopke Rose once, but thought it was well made and enjoyable to drink. Something I too would buy for an aperitif on a warm day.

[Steve E.]

I liked it and even bought a bottle. The description 'interesting' did come to mind. Light berries with a bit of viscosity to it. For some reason I expected it to be much heavier than it was. I don't think they normally have it at SeaWineCo, so I bought the bottle to keep for warmer days. Maybe this is the way Rose is supposed to be?

[Andy Velebil]

I liked it and even bought a bottle. The description 'interesting' did come to mind. Light berries with a bit of viscosity to it. For some reason I expected it to be much heavier than it was. I don't think they normally have it at SeaWineCo, so I bought the bottle to keep for warmer days. Maybe this is the way Rose is supposed to be?

Glad you got a bottle. The Kopke Rose is one of the better ones IMO and this type of Port is designed to be just as you described. Well chilled by itself, or mixed with soda water, on a warm day is the right occasion indeed.