For The Love Of Port

Following on from Roy's "Sticky Wine" reference in another thread I have an offer to make to anyone on the Forum who is interested.

Last year I was persuaded to buy 6 bottles of Pedro Ximenez 1927 Alvear having read the following review by Bob P.

Review by Robert Parker
Wine Advocate #159 (Jun 2005)
Rating: 96 points

The impressive 1927 Pedro Ximenez Solera, from a Solera begun nearly 80 years ago, boasts a dark amber color as well as an extraordinary nose of creme brulee, liquefied nuts, marmalade, and maple syrup. Huge and viscous, yet neither cloyingly sweet nor heavy, it is a profound effort priced unbelievably low. It is meant to be drunk alone at the end of a meal.

I had no idea what I was buying, apart from knowing it was some sort of sherry, and the only reason I bought it was because I was told - "if you like port, you'll love this stuff!".

Mmmm - I think it should have said "if you like sticky cough syrup, you'll love this stuff"

Anyway, it arrived in nice new screwtop bottles with brand new labels. I believe the 1927 thing relates to a wine used as the core of the blend rather than it being a "Vintage" as you would get in port. I opened one bottle, took one sip and haven't touched it since. Yuk!

If there are any Solera fans out there or even just someone who is curious to try it I am happy to let it go for the price of the packing & shipping. Anyone who wants a bottle and is attending the Vesuvio tasting in London in May can have one for free.

Send me a PM if you are interested.

Derek

I'm drinking shery once in a while. I had come across this bottle last summer in Ontario and for 20$ half a bottle I said why not and I bought two.

I did try it alone and it is very syrupy and showing too much alcool and heat for my palate. Though the flavours are very nice. I found it best enjoyed on ice cream with fresh garden fruits.

The other bottle I had, I gave it to raise money at my last job auction to help children.

I have had many PXs and Malagas over the years from virtually unknown producers to the two or three most highly regarded producers. I had quite a stash of my own that were from 1911-1933. I have enjoyed all but the 1910 Alvear which is the last of the great PXs that I have yet to try.

Many lack the acidity to provide the balance that winelovers enjoy. I have come to understand this shortfall with the PX grape and style and can enjoy the complex flavors, regardless.

The "core" you mention is not actually correct in its purest sense, when speaking about the Solera from 1927. In what is bottled, there is probably a very minute percentage of the 1927 in the bottle and therefore, not the base or core of the wine at all. But this is really a matter of semantics.

I know lots of ppl who have tried and disliked PX for the ultra-sweet fig flavors, lack of acid, intense viscosity etc. It is something that you either like or don't and most people don't gain an appreciation for it later, if they don't enjoy it at all initially.

I am sure you will have no problem, finding someone to buy these or trade them for something you'd like even more!

Normally, I'd move this to the MARKETPLACE FORUM, but it is not strictly commercial in its nature, so here it stays!

Roy,

I'm not sure how much a good bottle of PX would be but these cost me around $20 a bottle.

If no one here decides they want them I will probably stick them on Ebay. However, if you like this stuff and are interested in tasting this one I'd be more than happy to keep a bottle for you to take home after the Vesuvio Off-line. If this would make you feel guilty you could always bfring me a bottle of something cheap and unusual back from your trip to Gaia and we could do a straight trade 8)

Let me know.

I obviously read your mind when deciding where to post this

Derek

A deal has been done and these are now gone

derek

Derek,

It took just one email to someone I know who is a big PX fan. I knew he'd be thrilled to have 'em. That was easy eh?



Roy

Great stuff - remind me to buy you a glass of port when we meet up in London in May

Save your money and buy a bunch of flowers for Jo instead!

Roy,

Sorry to point this out but this is a great example of British humour not crossing the Atlantic - who would actually spend money on a glass of port at a Port Tasting :?

Derek

Will buy Jo the flowers anyway and tell her they are from you