What have you opened this week?

[Andy Velebil]

Interesting it was clear glass 9L. I don’t think the Syms bottle VP any bigger than 3L nowadays. Well, at least for commercial release. The amount of pressure exerted on the cork is massive above 3L and ultimately generally leads to the cork leaking at some point down the road if stored on side.

It is entirely possible the cork “failed” at some point. But clear glass, if in a well lit area, could also be the issue. Lots of studies about how fast clear glass can lead to damaged contents. There’s a reason why clear Crystal champagne bottles have a wrap over them. Clear glass contents can get “light struck” very quickly.

[Roy Hersh]

I would not think that the Symingtons with only a few of these, would have taken any chances by storing the 9L bottles in places with any, or much light.

Much more likely that Rupert's assertion with the cork, was the real issue when it came to these specific 9L bottles of '94 Vesuvio.

[Mike J. W.]

I would not think that the Symingtons with only a few of these, would have taken any chances by storing the 9L bottles in places with any, or much light.

Much more likely that Rupert's assertion with the cork, was the real issue when it came to these specific 9L bottles of '94 Vesuvio.

I wonder if my 9L bottle of '94 Vesuvio is also damaged?

[Andy Velebil]

I would not think that the Symingtons with only a few of these, would have taken any chances by storing the 9L bottles in places with any, or much light.

Much more likely that Rupert's assertion with the cork, was the real issue when it came to these specific 9L bottles of '94 Vesuvio.

I assume you’re not aware at least some ‘94 Vesuvio was stored at the Quinta for a time.

Anyone’s guess why it didn’t show well. Cork, clear glass, handling during what would have been hand bottling, it could have been stored in an office (I’ve seen that before at various producers), etc.

[Roy Hersh]

[Glenn E.]

2103 Quevedo Quinta Vale d'Agodinho Vintage Port, 375 ml

I got this in a pack of 4 bottles that Quevedo sells on their website. IIRC it was called the "Connoisseur's Pack" or something similar, and contained a 30 YO White, a 20 YO Tawny, an LBV from a year I do not remember, and this 2013 VP.

Still youthful and vibrant. It doesn't feel like it's shutting down at all. Lots of fruit, lots of tannins. Maybe a slightly drier style, but not as dry as their more recent releases. A solid 93 points for me.

[Mike J. W.]

2011 Alves de Sousa VP opened for a virtual tasting today. It's young, but fantastic. Easily a 94 to 95 point wine right now and it will only get better. I have 5 more bottles of this and I hope I can stumble across a few more. If you find it, buy it.

[Andy Velebil]

2103 Quevedo Quinta Vale d'Agodinho Vintage Port, 375 ml

I got this in a pack of 4 bottles that Quevedo sells on their website. IIRC it was called the "Connoisseur's Pack" or something similar, and contained a 30 YO White, a 20 YO Tawny, an LBV from a year I do not remember, and this 2013 VP.

Still youthful and vibrant. It doesn't feel like it's shutting down at all. Lots of fruit, lots of tannins. Maybe a slightly drier style, but not as dry as their more recent releases. A solid 93 points for me.

Drinking the future so young? lol.

[Al B.]

I opened a half bottle of Skeffington 2011 for the virtual tasting on Thursday (and a bottle of Quady Starboard Vintage 1994on Wednesday) last week.

The Skeffington was hard to resist!