The Book, ‘Port Vintages’, is for sale

Post by **jdaw1** » 19:22 Mon 03 Dec 2018

Message received from the fulfilment company, at about noon today = Mon 3^rd Dec.

> The singles (1 copy) mailed on Friday and bulks (2 and above) are leaving from today. You will receive yours tomorrow. 10 boxes.

I know that a single ordered to London did not arrive today, but tomorrow, Tue 4th Dec, is surely quite likely.

As said before, please, when your book(s) arrive, if you are able to post here on ThePortForum (or on FTLOP), please help the others by posting to say how many arrived, and when. Please also say approximately where you are in the world, and whether you are remotely rural or speedily urban.

Thank you.

PS: the ‘advertising’ did say “Delivery expected before Christmas”; tomorrow is three weeks before that day.

AHB wrote: ↑20:50 Sun 02 Dec 2018The author has confessed to finding an error in his copy of The Book. One error in 395,000 words.

On page 603: “There are pictures of other Wine Society labels: Warre 1934 on page 521; Cálem Quinta da Foz 1963 on page 19; Cálem Quinta da Foz 1966 on page 19; and Gould Campbell 1977 on page 193.”

Alas (feel my pain!) this omits a Cálem Quinta da Foz 1958 on p18. But page 18 is opposite p19, to which there is a pointer (twice — Cá63 and CáF66), so readers are no more than slightly disadvantaged.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 13:48 Tue 04 Dec 2018

jdaw1 wrote: ↑19:22 Mon 03 Dec 2018 Message received from the fulfilment company, at about noon today = Mon 3^rd Dec.

> The singles (1 copy) mailed on Friday and bulks (2 and above) are leaving from today. You will receive yours tomorrow. 10 boxes.

And have you?

Post by **jdaw1** » 19:34 Tue 04 Dec 2018

Reports have been received of single books arriving in Cornwall, and in St Andrews. A bulk shipment of books arrived in South London. But a single that was ordered to be delivered to my office in central London did not come today (Tue 4^th Dec).

Make of that what you will.

Edit: also a single near Romford.

Post by **DRT** » 11:42 Wed 05 Dec 2018

Two books arrived safely in Chesterfield this morning

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 17:50 Wed 05 Dec 2018

My order for a single volume arrived this afternoon between 16.00 and 17.00 GMT.

It was delivered to me in Sanderstead, approx 10 miles south of Charing Cross in C London.
Some Sanderstead stats for those unfamiliar...

Population - 12,777 (2011 Ward)[1]
UK OS grid reference - TQ337613
London borough - Croydon
Ceremonial county - Greater London
Region - London
Country - England
Sovereign state - United Kingdom
Post town - SOUTH CROYDON
Postcode district - CR2

At first look it is just as impressive as I hoped and expected from the Author. I am very much looking forward to some quality quiet time to give it the attention it deserves.

I am, of course, more than happy to sign page 608 for anyone that wishes.

Post by **flash_uk** » 07:41 Thu 06 Dec 2018

I had a UPS card for a missed delivery yesterday, so I anticipate picking up my delivery this afternoon.

DaveRL · Post by **DaveRL** » 10:21 Thu 06 Dec 2018

My copy of The Book arrived here in speedily urban London today, and it looks very good indeed. I am most certainly not disappointed.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 17:32 Thu 06 Dec 2018

I picked up my copy this afternoon. I look forward to a long, long read.

Post by **jdaw1** » 18:43 Thu 06 Dec 2018

Delicious review comment: “There is some truly useless information in there!”

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 19:40 Thu 06 Dec 2018

Still no sign of my book

Caparica · Post by **Caparica** » 23:09 Thu 06 Dec 2018

Julian, two books arrived today (Italy)...
Only a shame that the company packed the precious books in a very very simple cardboard box with no protection of the sides and corners...
(bit crushed)
For the rest it looks very good. Thank you.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 23:59 Thu 06 Dec 2018

Where did the review appear?

Post by **jdaw1** » 08:30 Fri 07 Dec 2018

AHB wrote: ↑23:59 Thu 06 Dec 2018Where did the review appear?

In an email.

Post by **jdaw1** » 08:33 Fri 07 Dec 2018

Caparica wrote: ↑23:09 Thu 06 Dec 2018Only a shame that the company packed the precious books in a very very simple cardboard box with no protection of the sides and corners...

The fulfilment company have acknowledged the problem, but tell me that it affects only a small number of packages.

I’m pleased the books survived despite the packing.

nac · Post by **nac** » 09:39 Fri 07 Dec 2018

Mine (one copy) arrived yesterday morning via Royal Mail. In Kent, nowhere exotic.

Post by **DRT** » 13:01 Fri 07 Dec 2018

jdaw1 wrote: ↑08:33 Fri 07 Dec 2018I’m pleased the books survived despite the packing.

Caparica wrote: ↑23:09 Thu 06 Dec 2018(bit crushed)

Are you both saying the same thing here?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 14:45 Fri 07 Dec 2018

I took mine home last night. You received another review this morning. Mrs B said "It looks really professional and the pictures are very pretty."

Spotter Brown · Post by **Spotter Brown** » 16:55 Fri 07 Dec 2018

I have just joined the forum having just received a copy of the book. It is very interesting and like the Oxford Companion books (I am thinking of the wine one edited by Jancis Robinson and the food edition by Davidson) one is encouraged to browse and explore. Clearly this was a labour of love and it is amazing what an extremely dedicated amateur can accomplish over a decade. I think I shall try to find some average house prices and salaries from various points in time to see what would have been the best decade to have been a port drinker.

Caparica · Post by **Caparica** » 14:19 Sat 08 Dec 2018

As i said the books arrived bit crushed on the side and corner...
The used cardboard box was too thin... and can't absorb even small shocks during the shipment.
A simple bubble wrap could prevent this very good and it is very cheap.
Maybe in the next edition they will take more care with the packaging.

akzy · Post by **akzy** » 14:21 Sat 08 Dec 2018

Just received mine in Brighton. Seems to be a very thorough affair!

Post by **jdaw1** » 14:44 Sat 08 Dec 2018

Caparica wrote: ↑14:19 Sat 08 Dec 2018As i said the books arrived bit crushed on the side and corner...
The used cardboard box was too thin... and can't absorb even small shocks during the shipment.
A simple bubble wrap could prevent this very good and it is very cheap.
Maybe in the next edition they will take more care with the packaging.

Some, but not all, were packed badly. About this I am both sorry and angry.

Were the books OK?

Post by **flash_uk** » 17:20 Sat 08 Dec 2018

My copies were collected today having missed a courier on Wednesday. No chance to read yet!

gerwin.degraaf · Post by **gerwin.degraaf** » 17:50 Sat 08 Dec 2018

Not received my 2 copies (2 separate orders) yet. Hopefully they will arrive next week.

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:48 Mon 10 Dec 2018

gerwin.degraaf wrote: ↑17:50 Sat 08 Dec 2018Not received my 2 copies (2 separate orders) yet. Hopefully they will arrive next week.

This evening I will get your data (from a file to quick I don't have access at work) and have fulfillment company report.

gerwin.degraaf · Post by **gerwin.degraaf** » 08:12 Thu 13 Dec 2018

jdaw1 wrote: ↑13:48 Mon 10 Dec 2018
gerwin.degraaf wrote: ↑17:50 Sat 08 Dec 2018Not received my 2 copies (2 separate orders) yet. Hopefully they will arrive next week.
This evening I will get your data (from a file to quick I don't have access at work) and have fulfillment company report.

Both books were delivered in good order yesterday afternoon (Dec. 11, Sprundel, Netherlands, rural area near Breda)

. Looks very impressive

!

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 18:43 Thu 13 Dec 2018

Both books have arrived this morning in Los Angeles, Ca.

StuartC · Post by **StuartC** » 21:08 Thu 13 Dec 2018

Received my 3 copies about 2 weeks ago; though received notification that they were on their way about 3 days ago...

Though I'm in Perth, only a hour's drive from Glasgow where I think you'd said they were being published and despatched from, so would have to be a pretty lousy courier to damage books in such a short time! All in perfect condition, and looking quite a significant piece of work.

Justin K · Post by **Justin K** » 21:26 Thu 13 Dec 2018

I received a notification yesterday but nothing arrived today. Surprised that a delivery to California beat one crossing the Irish Sea!

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 02:02 Fri 14 Dec 2018

The 6 copies for the Sammamish Port Club arrived today. (West coast, USA.) I received two shipping notices on December 12, but only one tracking number, so my hope is that my separate single-copy order will arrive tomorrow. The single was the first "test" order from outside the UK.

Post by **DRT** » 13:23 Sat 15 Dec 2018

Justin K wrote: ↑21:26 Thu 13 Dec 2018 I received a notification yesterday but nothing arrived today. Surprised that a delivery to California beat one crossing the Irish Sea!

Our postal service is just warming itself up for post-Brexit service standards, Justin

Justin K · Post by **Justin K** » 23:22 Sat 15 Dec 2018

Panic over, arrived this morning

to W23 KX3P Co. Meath, Republic of Ireland. Bedtime reading for the next month, very impressive production Julian.

Post by **jdaw1** » 11:01 Sun 16 Dec 2018

Justin K wrote: ↑23:22 Sat 15 Dec 2018Panic over, arrived this morning to W23 KX3P Co. Meath, Republic of Ireland. Bedtime reading for the next month, very impressive production Julian.

Excellent. Post-Brexit Britain will have an entry exam for dodgy foreigners: perhaps Port Vintages could be the textbook. Prepare for the exam!

differentdave · Post by **differentdave** » 14:17 Mon 17 Dec 2018

Super anxious in New York waiting for my single copy of the book. Few bottles of VP from 60's and 70's standing in my cellar waiting to be drank while reading Port Vintages.

Post by **jdaw1** » 20:22 Tue 18 Dec 2018

differentdave wrote: ↑14:17 Mon 17 Dec 2018Super anxious in New York waiting for my single copy of the book. Few bottles of VP from 60's and 70's standing in my cellar waiting to be drank while reading Port Vintages.

Post has been slow. You are, alas, not the only person waiting.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 13:47 Wed 19 Dec 2018

Should we start a thread on TPF to help the author with his second edition? We could create a list of Ports we encounter which are not mentioned in the book, along with photographic evidence to back up our findings.

gerwin.degraaf · Post by **gerwin.degraaf** » 14:53 Wed 19 Dec 2018

AHB wrote: ↑13:47 Wed 19 Dec 2018 Should we start a thread on TPF to help the author with his second edition? We could create a list of Ports we encounter which are not mentioned in the book, along with photographic evidence to back up our findings.

Sounds like a plan! I would be more than happy to help

Post by **jdaw1** » 20:32 Wed 19 Dec 2018

AHB wrote: ↑13:47 Wed 19 Dec 2018Should we start a thread on TPF to help the author with his second edition? We could create a list of Ports we encounter which are not mentioned in the book, along with photographic evidence to back up our findings.

The Book wrote:Errors surely remain. Those outside quotations are mine; those inside quotations might also be mine, but at least sometimes are of whoever is quoted.

It is intended to list errata and additions at www.PortVintages.com.

Such a document is already being drafted. Please do send contributions, with details: auction house, date, lot number, photographs; when and where drunk, for what occasion, where and how documented, tasting notes, and photographs again. Yes please.

differentdave · Post by **differentdave** » 19:34 Thu 20 Dec 2018

Received the book on Tuesday evening. Box was opened on one side and book had been removed from package, placed back into box and box repaired with packing tape. Aside from bent covers and little spine damagd book looks super awesome (love the size of the pages, the font and font size, pictures and graphics look great, etc). I am very excited to start reading the book. Dow 63 and 77 are the first 2 bottles I plan on drinking while reading.
Congrats again Julian mazel tov!

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:39 Thu 20 Dec 2018

differentdave wrote: ↑19:34 Thu 20 Dec 2018Received the book on Tuesday evening. Box was opened on one side and book had been removed from package, placed back into box and box repaired with packing tape. Aside from bent covers and little spine damagd book looks super awesome (love the size of the pages, the font and font size, pictures and graphics look great, etc). I am very excited to start reading the book. Dow 63 and 77 are the first 2 bottles I plan on drinking while reading.
Congrats again Julian mazel tov!

I’m sorry the fulfilment company has been incompetent.

And thank you to all, including you, who have accepted a ‘working copy’ in the slightly imperfect condition that it might have reached anyway. Even though only ‘might’.

Old Bridge · Post by **Old Bridge** » 16:35 Fri 21 Dec 2018

The Book arrived in Telemark, Norway today.
Slightly damp cardboard, torn hole in one corner.
Book however, in perfect condition.
Thank You!

g-man · Post by **g-man** » 22:58 Wed 26 Dec 2018

Book arrived here in NY, slight ding on the corners but otherwise vrey good condition

djewesbury · Post by **djewesbury** » 17:25 Fri 28 Dec 2018

Book arrived in Gothenburg today. It’s in perfect condition, no shipping problems.

Marvellous to browse through. I already have one amendment for second edition...

Listed as “Maren” on p. 541, the photographed entry in fact reads “Waren” - that’s an 18th-century upper case roundhand W at the start (see, for instance, this handwriting primer for the two versions of W in use at this point.

I look forward to reading and finding further errors. Well done, JDAW.

Post by **jdaw1** » 18:07 Fri 28 Dec 2018

djewesbury wrote: ↑17:25 Fri 28 Dec 2018Marvellous to browse through. I already have one amendment for second edition...

Even at a distance of 650 miles the smugness is palpable. Well done.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 14:22 Sun 30 Dec 2018

differentdave wrote: ↑19:34 Thu 20 Dec 2018Received the book on Tuesday [dec 18]evening.

g-man wrote: ↑22:58 Wed 26 Dec 2018Book arrived here in NY

Fingers crossed that mine's not far behind, but it hasn't arrived yet...

TLW · Post by **TLW** » 05:56 Mon 31 Dec 2018

The book arrived in Illinois on Christmas Eve, and looks excellent.

Will W. · Post by **Will W.** » 15:13 Tue 01 Jan 2019

AHB wrote: ↑13:47 Wed 19 Dec 2018 Should we start a thread on TPF to help the author with his second edition? We could create a list of Ports we encounter which are not mentioned in the book, along with photographic evidence to back up our findings.

A possible contribution:

The author expressed uncertainty whether Burmester produced a VP in 1934; it may well have done so, though if that is the case Burmester would appear to have used the term 'vintage' rather loosely. One refers to the inclusion of 'bottled November 1936' and 'decanted July 1945' on the label(s), the reference to decanting taking the form of a distinct sticker affixed below the main label. There is also a selo, which (if I understand correctly that selos appeared only well after the War) may point to Burmester releasing the bottles in, say, the 1960s. A late release as well as questions regarding whether the 1934 is a vintage port as opposed to a garrafeira (in the Nieport sense), may explain why the '34 does not appear on the vintage lists cited by the author which reference other Burmester VPs produced during the pre-War period.

I purchased two bottles privately in Portugal in 2016; one of them was consumed that year with the second remaining in my cellar. I have seen the occasional bottle on offer in Portugal since that time, not least being moved by handlers whom I have no reason to distrust. Of course, there is always the possibility of forgery, though I think that unlikely in this instance as the wine in the bottle which was consumed in 2016 was clearly older port. At that time - and indeed now - I did not have sufficient tasting experience to distinguish betwixt an older VP and a garrafeira. What was clear to me at the time was that the port had been aged in glass, rather than in wood.

Finally, I should like to join the cacophony of praise for this fine volume; it will be of great use, not least to those of us in the habit of purchasing older, single bottles in a market (i.e., Portugal) where establishing the provenance of such finds is generally very difficult.

With my apologies for being unable to figure out how to get the photo of the bottle upright on this forum:

: '34 Burmester.jpg (33.97 KiB) Viewed 22595 times

Post by **jdaw1** » 17:28 Tue 01 Jan 2019

Will W. wrote: ↑15:13 Tue 01 Jan 2019
AHB wrote: ↑13:47 Wed 19 Dec 2018Should we start a thread on TPF to help the author with his second edition? We could create a list of Ports we encounter which are not mentioned in the book, along with photographic evidence to back up our findings.
A possible contribution

The Introduction says “It is intended to list errata and additions at www.PortVintages.com.” It still is.

And I’ve started gathering data. Please would you email me (contact information) a really good picture of the bottle, for inclusion in the Errata, with credit to you? I’m hoping for face on (not at an angle), in good light, with good focus, at high resolution. That is, I’m hoping for the picture you would want in your reference book. Please sir?

Thank you.

Will W. · Post by **Will W.** » 12:47 Wed 02 Jan 2019

jdaw1 wrote: ↑17:28 Tue 01 Jan 2019 Please would you email me (contact information) a really good picture of the bottle, for inclusion in the Errata, with credit to you? I’m hoping for face on (not at an angle), in good light, with good focus, at high resolution. That is, I’m hoping for the picture you would want in your reference book. Please sir?

It shall be done, with pleasure.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 04:08 Mon 04 Feb 2019

Book arrived; after some assistance from homebase. I saved "unboxing" until it could be done with some accompaniment, and selected a slightly older and less frequently seen wine for the occasion. There was a flaw in the plan, which i trust JDAW will spot immediately

PopulusTremula · Post by **PopulusTremula** » 21:00 Fri 08 Feb 2019

Lux-ed received today. Execeptionally well wrapped, almost obsessively so (a good thing surely), in multiple layers of bubble wrap, zip loc bag, paper and what not. Book looks fab, sumptuous leather, gilt-edged paper - wonderful workmanship!

Now sitting down to enjoy the cloth bound copy received before Christmas - T85 as a companion. The leather bound copy shall not be pawed by my grubby mitts.

In all, very pleased i am indeed.