Port for sale by retailer

[JacobH]

There are some bad ports out there, but I think most are ports that we just choose to be snobby about. [...] With a couple of notable exceptions (Hutcheson 1970, Sibio 1970), the only time I have had an undrinkable port was when the bottle was a bad bottle.

I think part of this is that you tend to drink VP and LBV which should be of a reasonable quality (particularly VP). I’ve had a few bad experiences with Port but this has mostly been in the lower categories. For example, I think I would decline another opportunity to taste the Quinta da Casa Amarela’s White; an own-brand Ruby by Quinta do Noval for Robinson College Cambridge; and C. Da Silva Amilar Ruby. Real Companhia Velha and Quinta de la Rosa’s White both might be in that category, too. Amongst better Ports, the only ones which I have tried which I think were badly made were the Royal Oporto 1982 and the Dow Crusted from 2000 and 2003.

- Churchill 1982

A decent bottle of this is rather nice, certainly one of the best ‟first release” Ports I’ve tried (compare with, e.g. the Vesuvio ’89). If you feel like offloading some at some point...

[g-man]

Real Companhia Velha and Royal Oporto 1982
.

i think they're the same house

it's definitely one i won't even bother buying anymore.

[jdaw1]

And then consider that I am trying to decide which bottle is the worst in my cellar for such a tasting. I am trying to choose between:
- Bomfim 1978
- Churchill 1982
- Corte 1984
- Ferreira 1960
- Gonzales Byass 1967
- Martinez 1975
- Noval 1978

This suggests a much better theme for a tasting: ‟AHB’s Worst”.

[Alex Bridgeman]

- Churchill 1982

A decent bottle of this is rather nice, certainly one of the best ‟first release” Ports I’ve tried (compare with, e.g. the Vesuvio ’89). If you feel like offloading some at some point...

I've only got a handful of these, so I'm not looking to offload but if I ever find that I have more than I need then I will bear you in mind.

[Alex M]

Ocada are doing 25% off 6 bottles of wine purchased, including fortified. They have Noval 03 (£63), Fonseca G 1996 (£26) and Taylors QdV 2001(£26) amongst other LBV's and tawnys. Couple this with the code VOU2360693 to get an extra £15 off if it is your first order. Rough cost for a 6 packof TQdV is £90.

Expires 01Apr11.

[Zelandakh]

Alex - the only Taylors I can see now is the crusted.

[Alex M]

I noticed that but if you click on the item it is clearly 2001. Have a search for Taylors on the wine cellar page.

[Mark D]

Quinta de Roriz 2001 Vintage Port only $39.99

Got a few at discount and once they are gone, they could be gone forever (or at least, from my distributor). These are great bang for your buck vintage ports that easily sold for more than $50 per bottle.

http://www.Portwine2u.com
I have a few cases left.

Thanks,

Mark

[Mark D]

Also have the Porto Rocha Vintage 2000 port for $39.99. This was originally priced near $60 but a different distributor is marking them down.

http://www.portwine2u.com

A few bottles left.

Thanks,

Mark

[griff]

Ocada are doing 25% off 6 bottles of wine purchased, including fortified. They have Noval 03 (£63), Fonseca G 1996 (£26) and Taylors QdV 2001(£26) amongst other LBV's and tawnys. Couple this with the code VOU2360693 to get an extra £15 off if it is your first order. Rough cost for a 6 packof TQdV is £90.

Expires 01Apr11.

Replied in the buy thread. I missed the Taylors!

[SushiNorth]

Heads up US: Fonseca 85 for $75

[Glenn E.]

I ordered 4, thanks for the heads up! Haven't seen that low of a price on the F85 for a couple of years.

[jdaw1]

F85 drinking very nicely last Monday.

[ACmole]

Tesco's have half bottles of Croft 2004 unfiltered LBV for £4.09 in store (ie. not from Tesco Wine). It would be rude not to!

[DRT]

Niepoort 2009 in large format available from Raymond Reynolds

[jdaw1]

Not port, but by a port-making friend of many of us.

An extra special recommendation

Quinta Do Crasto Superior 2009
Douro, Portugal

It's a wine merchants lot to taste many wines, and whilst many will think this a dream job to do it's still depressing to experience a great many wines which are dull, boring, overpriced or badly made (think of the Princess who had to kiss a lot of frogs before she found her Prince, and you'll get my general drift!). But every now and then a star shines out from the mist and reinforces why you fell in love with wine in the first place (not forgetting that 'love' doesn't pay the mortgage!).

This superb Douro red from highly renowned producer Quinta do Crasto really made me sit up with its super concentration, quality, class, freshness and perfect balance.

Dark red and black fruits with a velvety texture, yet with structure and seamlessly integrated tannins. A selection of old vine Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão grapes sourced from the best vineyards in the 'Douro Superior'.

After tasting some stunning 2009 Rhone reds at a recent tasting what hit me about this wine was that it was equally as good, but a lot less in price.

Gorgeous now, will age gracefully for at least another five years.

Don't miss out on this one, it's great.

A wonderful accompaniment to roast or braised meat dishes.

£13.95 bt
in stock now

[JacobH]

Uncorked has just put out its 2009 prices. If anyone has seen better ones elsewhere, then do post here.

2009 Skeffington: 6x 75cl=£115, 12x 75cl=£225, 6x 150cl=£225, 12x 37.5cl=£120
2009 Croft : 6x 75cl=£160, 12x 75cl= £315, 6x 150cl= £315, 12x 37.5cl=£165
2009 Fonseca 6x 75cl= £195, 12x 75cl= £385, 6x 150cl= £385, 12x 37.5cl= £200
2009 Taylor 6x 75cl = £200, 12x 75cl =£395, 6x 150cl =£395, 12x 37.5cl =£205,
2009 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha 3x 75cl= £280
2009 Taylor/Fonseca/Croft mixed box 3x 75cl=£100

Fairly robust pricing on the Vinha Velha But the others seem a touch more reasonable.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I've had a few offers for the 2009 ports now.

2009 Vintage Port Release

The Fladgate Partnership (Taylor, Fonseca et al) has announced the declaration of its 2009 vintage ports; this is its 4th vintage of the decade (following 2007, 2003 and 2000). The 2009s are structured for long-term ageing ”“ perfect for those with time in hand.

‟We have not seen colour intensity and tannic grip like this in over twenty years. In addition the quality of the fruit is impressive and the wines are supported by excellent acidity.” David Guimaraens, Head Winemaker.

Due to limited availability, stock is offered in 6-bottle cases (maximum one of each per order; please advise additional requirements) ”“ thank you

2009 Taylor’s ~ £200 in bond per 6 bottle case
The Taylor 2009 blend is based on the wines of Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta de Terra Feita. Located in the remote eastern reaches of the Douro Valley, Vargellas is known for its elegant, scented wines, with their fine focused fruit and well integrated sinewy tannins. The wines of Quinta de Terra Feita are full bodied, powerful and full of rich berry fruit flavour. They provide depth and volume to the blend. Since 2000, the firm’s third property, Quinta do Junco, has also made a small contribution to the blend and has done so again in 2009. Junco’s contribution to the Taylor vintage port blend is small but increasingly important. Its wines are massive in scale, lending an additional layer of density and structure to the blend.

Magenta coloured. An amazing nose, full of blueberries and lavender. Very smooth in texture, medium bodied even at this stage of life. Surprisingly refined for Taylor - less power and more finesse than I would have expected. Beautiful floral tones, a fantastic balance, intense levels of perfect fruit and tannins which are ripe and rounded make this an amazing port on the palate. The aftertaste is restrained and the finish slow to develop but eventually delivers a modest 50% cocoa chocolate and sour cherry combination that is extremely enjoyable. This is a beautiful and extremely impressive port and will certainly be one of the shippers I buy from this vintage.
93-95 points ”“ ThePortForum.com

Blackish purple. This, unusually, had the headiness of Fonseca 2009 on the nose and seemed more luscious and velvety than the Quinta da Vargellas Vinha Velha on the palate. Very rich, round and thrilling. Dense and pure. A bit of a schoolmaster in terms of straight back and firm structure. Very long, firm and thrilling - surely a long term bet with additional early charm, presumably from the exceptionally hot, dry vintage.
18 points ”“ JancisRobinson.com (drink 2035-2070)

2009 Fonseca ~ £195 in bond per 6 bottle case
The Fonseca 2009 blend is based on wines from Quinta do Panascal and Quinta do Cruzeiro. There is also a small amount of wine from Quinta de Santo António, the first time that the estate has contributed to a classic vintage port blend since it was converted to organic viticulture. Blender Mario Araújo, who celebrates his 50th year working in the Fonseca tasting room, noted: ‘This is one of the most impressive young vintage ports that I can remember. In many ways it reminds me of the 1970 with its firm tannins and powerful fruit.’

More intense in colour than the Taylor 2009 shown alongside this wine. More restrained on the nose, none of the exuberance of the Taylor, but with a pleasing menthol freshness. Restrained and modest entry, lighter bodied than Taylor, but with a much more intense concentration of mid-palate fruit and more forward tannins. A little hollowness on the entry, but certainly not on the mid-palate which is fruit dominated and very impressive with big tannins. Spicy, cheek tingling aftertaste which is balanced, dry and of good length.
90-92 points ”“ ThePortForum.com

Blackish purple. Heady, opulent nose - really very winning indeed already! But on the palate there seems to be just a slight hole in the middle, a lack of sheer fruit weight. Long and vibrato on the finish though until an extremely dry note on the very end. This reminds me of a fortified version of a 2003 right bank bordeaux.
17.5+ points ”“ JancisRobinson.com (drink 2030-2050)

2009 Croft ~ £165 in bond per 6 bottle case
The Croft 2009 vintage blend is made up entirely of wines from Quinta da Roêda and displays the distinctive scented quality and rich round fruitiness which are the hallmarks of the estate’s wines. All the wine was made in traditional lagares. Head viticulturist António Magalhães remarked: ‘Roêda is a very large property. Although we have replanted extensively we can continue to draw from the historic parts of the vineyard, which are the essence of this unique terroir, for our vintage ports.’

Blueberries and pink grapefruit on the fruit lifted nose. Silky entry, light bodied with restrained ripe fruit and large tannins. The balance of the wine on the palate is extremely good and the acidity levels seem to be slightly below those in the Taylor and Fonseca wines. Liquorice dominates the aftertaste, which is the biggest aftertaste of the three ports, and is full of espresso, dark chocolate and concentrated sharp blackcurrant. Very different in style from Taylor or Fonseca and very tasty. Personally, I prefer this to the Fonseca.
91-93 points ”“ ThePortForum.com

Blackish crimson. Mellow, well-behaved nose. Very soft, ripe and sweet. Quite different from the Fonseca and Taylor in terms of build - less concentrated. Then the tannin and, especially, acidity rise up and take you unawares at the end of the palate. Just very slightly scrawny on the finish with a tiny hint of greenness. I'd lash out on one of the more serious ports from this stable.
17 points ”“ JancisRobinson.com (drink 2020-2040)


2009 Skeffington ~ £120 in bond per 6 bottle case
Restrained on the nose, intensely perfumed and dominated by Gala melons. Smooth, medium-bodied entry initially with modest levels of fruit. Patience and air allows the fruit to blossom and the tannins to show. The fruit grows to surprising levels - an intriguing and intense mix of raspberries and blackcurrants. Curry powder tingles on the aftertaste before giving way to a long and powerful finish of blackberries. Could this be the bargain of the vintage?
89-91 points ”“ ThePortForum.com

Very deep purple with a notably 'warm' nose reminiscent of raisins. Notably high volatile acidity and masses of smudgy, pruney, sweet fruit. Much more evolved than the other 2009 vintage ports in the Fladgate stable. Relatively light on the finish with a peppery note. Not that persistent.
16.5 points ”“ JancisRobinson.com (drink 2020-2030)


• In bond price includes shipping to Melton (expected end 2011), but not the subsequent charges of excise duty, delivery & VAT. Prevailing rates will be charged at time of clearance from bond.
• Wine kept in storage will be subject to Seckford Wines’ annual Terms & Conditions of its Customer Storage Service.

• Offered subject to final confirmation ”“ payment with order please
• E&OE Seckford Wines May 2011

Fine & Rare have not emailed me, but their prices are:

Vintage Port Red 2009 45 Cs Croft (12xHlv) 174.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 10 Cs Croft (Hlv) 346.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 25 Cs Croft (6xBt) 165.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 40 Cs Croft 329.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 50 Cs Croft (Mg) 329.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 44 Cs Fonseca (12xHlv) 210.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 8 Cs Fonseca (Hlv) 420.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 19 Cs Fonseca (6xBt) 200.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 27 Cs Fonseca 399.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 48 Cs Fonseca (Mg) 399.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 45 Cs Taylor (12xHlv) 216.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 5 Cs Taylor (Hlv) 431.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 26 Cs Taylor (6xBt) 205.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 28 Cs Taylor 410.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 48 Cs Taylor (Mg) 410.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 5 Cs Taylor's Vinha Velha (3xBt) 271.00

Farr Vintners have also released prices:

2009 Croft HV 320.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Croft BT 310.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Fonseca HV 390.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Fonseca BT 380.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Taylor HV 400.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Taylor BT 390.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Taylor Vinha Velhas BT 1,080.00 cs

I also received a mail shot from Bordeaux Index whose prices were Croft £320, Fonseca £390, Taylor £400

Interestingly, nothing yet from the Symingtons or from other niche producers.

Does anyone know whether Quevedo will be shipping a 2009 VP?

[DRT]

Does anyone know whether Quevedo will be shipping a 2009 VP?

Oscar confirmed to me last night that they will not be producing a 2009.

[RAYC]

Laithwaites have Niepoort 2003 VP available at £25 per bottle inclusive of vat/duty (delivery is £6.99), which is slightly strange because you can also purchase it by the half case from them for £240...

[Alex Bridgeman]

If anyone is looking for Dow 2007, Berry's have a half case on offer for £360, in bond

[jdaw1]

Taylor 1927, 5 bottles £695 each
Sandeman 1934, 1 bottle £150
Graham 1945, 3 bottles £795 each
Taylor 1945, 3 bottles £795 each
Graham 1948, 3 bottles £585 each
Taylor 1950, 2 bottles £160 each
Taylor 1955, 1 case £1995
Cockburn 1955, 2 case £1850 per case
Dow 1955, 2 bottles £145 each
Fonseca 1955, 1 bottle £395 each
Fonseca 1955 Mag, 1 magnum £895
Warre 1955, 1 case £1235 per case
Sandeman 1958, 11 bottles £85 each
Taylor 1960, 23 bottles £78 each
Quinta do Noval 1963, 1 bottle £90
Dow 1963, 1 bottle £95
Graham 1963, 1 bottle £165
Croft 1963, 1 bottle £83
Warre 1963, 10 bottles £98 each
Graham 1970, 7 bottles £80 each
Dow 1970, 3 bottles £58 each
Taylor 1992, 1 case £1395
Croft 2003 Halves, 1 case £295
Gould Campbell 1983, 6 bottles £35 each

[RonnieRoots]

Wild Wine Days at Gall & Gall (in the Netherlands), with every second bottle at 50%. Most interesting buy is definitely Dow 2007. Normally 60 euro a bottle, now 45 if you buy two.

[JacobH]

Sounds like the Dow 2007 prices are returning somewhat to normal after their huge spike on release...

[jdaw1]

Please consider from our stock
1927 4 botts Taylor £9600 ub/doz
1935 11 botts Taylor £8800 dp/doz
1945 1 cs and 6 botts Taylor £8400 dp/doz
1948 1 cs and 11 botts Taylor 9900 dp/cs
1955 1 cs and 11 botts Taylor £2995 dp/cs
1960 1 cs and 4 botts Taylor £1080 dp/cs
1963 4 cs Taylor £1800 dp/cs
1970 5 cs Taylor £1250 dp/cs
1977 10 cs Taylor £950 dp/cs
1983 6 cs Taylor £480 dp/cs
1992 2 cs Taylor £1080 dp/cs

1945 11 botts Fonseca £8400 dp/doz
1948 1 cs and 5 botts Fonseca £9900 dp/cs
1960 2 cs Fonseca £1080 dp/cs
1963 1 cs and 6 botts Fonseca £1950 dp/cs
1966 11 botts Fonseca £1450 dp/doz
1970 3 cs and 3 botts Fonseca £1350 dp/cs
1977 15 cs Fonseca £1280 dp/cs
1980 1 cs Fonseca £540 dp/cs
1983 2 cs Fonseca £480 dp/cs
1985 11 cs Fonseca £550 dp/cs
1992 20 cs Fonseca £560 dp/cs
1997 6 botts Fonseca £350 dp/doz