Search found 322 matches

by Mike J. W.
16:44 Mon 29 Sep 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 1970 Horizontal, flights 1-4, Friday 3 October 2025
Replies: 122
Views: 66586

Re: 1970 Horizontal, flights 1-4, Friday 3 October 2025

Maybe some background info for the 1970 Avery Port from the company: I have only found the "possible" blends for the 60, 63 and 66 I can almost say they are correct but every so often there is a note saying - also added... - there are some hints at the 70 but not a "full" recipe...
by Mike J. W.
16:31 Mon 29 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.
Replies: 8
Views: 1521

Re: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.

Thanks Phil and Alex. I'm hoping they are a rewaxing. I'll know when I crack a bottle open in the next year or two.
by Mike J. W.
04:12 Sun 28 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.
Replies: 8
Views: 1521

Re: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.

These are the 3 different types of capsules, but the labels are all BB&R. The black wax capsules look professionally done. And the other black wax capsules (4 including the one in the pic) are identical to the one in the pic. Fill levels are either base neck or top shoulder. All bottles are gree...
by Mike J. W.
00:50 Sat 27 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.
Replies: 8
Views: 1521

Re: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.

@ PhilW. Just a minute ago, I came across a 4th BB&R 1966 Fonseca. This one has the dark green capsule with the BBR / arms on the top. The labels are identical across all 4 bottles (although I know they could easily be faked.).
by Mike J. W.
22:41 Fri 26 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.
Replies: 8
Views: 1521

Re: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.

Thanks Phil, I appreciate your input. I'll be tied up the next few days, but I'll try and post pics on Sunday when I have a spare minute. And I came across a 3rd 1966 BB&R bottled Fonseca that also has the black wax capsule. I'm not inclined to crack any of them open now to see if they're lesser...
by Mike J. W.
20:52 Fri 26 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.
Replies: 8
Views: 1521

Berry Brothers & Rudd Bottling Questions.

I'm in the process of entering all of my Port (& Wine) into a spreadsheet that I created to track it. I am inputting a few bottles of 1966 Fonseca that were bottled by BB&R (or so the label claims). The first bottle I entered has a red metal cap (mostly worn off) but it doesn't have the BB&a...
by Mike J. W.
23:51 Thu 25 Sep 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 25th September 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 38
Views: 15506

Re: Thursday 25th September 2025 - Virtual Tasting

Tonight (this afternoon for me) was fun and I always learn a lot. There's always more than a few laughs as well. Thanks Neil for organizing it and Phil for setting up the Zoom call. I hope we do more of these in the future.
by Mike J. W.
17:41 Thu 25 Sep 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 25th September 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 38
Views: 15506

Re: Thursday 25th September 2025 - Virtual Tasting

nac wrote: 17:18 Thu 25 Sep 2025 Suspect similar. Unlikely to be on much before 8.
I can't sign in nor do I suspect anyone else can since Neil is not on. Should I check back at 7:30 your time?
by Mike J. W.
00:52 Thu 25 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Crusted port database
Replies: 306
Views: 157522

Re: Crusted port database

I was trying to find out who the Producer was for a 1977 Dolamore Crusted, but the listing on the first post says "Supplier Unknown". I did notice that missing from that listing is the 1988 Churchill Crusted. I have two of those in my cellar.
by Mike J. W.
16:55 Mon 22 Sep 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 1985 Virtual Tasting hosted by Anthony Symington!
Replies: 13
Views: 2530

Re: 1985 Virtual Tasting hosted by Anthony Symington!

*samples can only be delivered to UK addresses* I haz a sad. :cry: I could probably even make a Zoom call on Nov 26 at 7:00 pm GMT. I'd have my usual mid-day conflicts, but those tend to work out okay when we do Port Forum Virtual Tastings. You might not be able to get samples sent to you, but you ...
by Mike J. W.
19:30 Sat 20 Sep 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Vesuvio Visit Sept 2025
Replies: 6
Views: 1966

Re: Vesuvio Visit Sept 2025

Really nice write-up and amazing pics. It sounds like a day well worth it.
by Mike J. W.
16:31 Sat 20 Sep 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 1985 Virtual Tasting hosted by Anthony Symington!
Replies: 13
Views: 2530

Re: 1985 Virtual Tasting hosted by Anthony Symington!

*samples can only be delivered to UK addresses* I haz a sad. :cry: I could probably even make a Zoom call on Nov 26 at 7:00 pm GMT. I'd have my usual mid-day conflicts, but those tend to work out okay when we do Port Forum Virtual Tastings. You might not be able to get samples sent to you, but you ...
by Mike J. W.
16:37 Thu 18 Sep 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Mystery Evening at the Boot & Flogger 16th Sept 2025
Replies: 69
Views: 23940

Re: Mystery Evening at the Boot & Flogger 16th Sept 2025

I've updated the first posat with the bottles and also the scores ...... That looks like a really fun lineup, Martin. I know it was a blind tasting, but did anyone figure out during the course of the tasting that they were drinking primarily older LBV's? As an aside, I see that the Pocas LBV did ve...
by Mike J. W.
16:35 Thu 18 Sep 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 25th September 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 38
Views: 15506

Re: Thursday 25th September 2025 - Virtual Tasting

Is this still a go for next Thursday (Sep. 25)? If so, what time will it be?
by Mike J. W.
16:31 Thu 18 Sep 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Mystery Evening at the Boot & Flogger 16th Sept 2025
Replies: 69
Views: 23940

Re: Mystery Evening at the Boot & Flogger 16th Sept 2025

I've updated the first posat with the bottles and also the scores ...... That looks like a really fun lineup, Martin. I know it was a blind tasting, but did anyone figure out during the course of the tasting that they were drinking primarily older LBV's? As an aside, I see that the Pocas LBV did ve...
by Mike J. W.
17:29 Tue 16 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: BB&R 1977 Vintage Port
Replies: 4
Views: 1566

Re: BB&R 1977 Vintage Port

Thanks Alex.
by Mike J. W.
17:09 Tue 16 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: BB&R 1977 Vintage Port
Replies: 4
Views: 1566

BB&R 1977 Vintage Port

Would anyone happen to know who the Producer is for BB&R's 1977 Vintage Port bottling? Thanks in advance.
by Mike J. W.
23:44 Thu 11 Sep 2025
Forum: Site Stuff
Topic: 100,000 posts
Replies: 2
Views: 26938

Re: 100,000 posts

Alex Bridgeman wrote: 10:47 Wed 10 Sep 2025 I've just noticed that this was the post that was given system number p=100000
That's very cool, Alex! Did the forum send you your congratulatory bottle of 1931 Noval? Or was it lost in the mail?
by Mike J. W.
23:41 Thu 11 Sep 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Porto, October 10th till 14th
Replies: 13
Views: 4732

Re: Porto, October 10th till 14th

The suggestions you've received are very good, but I would highly recommend Pocas. They have great Colheitas and TWAIOA. They also brought out a 1994 LBV which was simply excellent.

Edit: I see Alex already recommended Pocas, so I second that motion.
by Mike J. W.
04:31 Thu 11 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2330
Views: 5717345

Re: Latest buy

@ Mike J.W. - that’s a preposterously good price! Thanks George. I was very lucky. One person had placed a bid a few weeks back and it held until I bid on the afternoon of the last day. I expected the original bidder or someone else to outbid me, but no one else bothered to bid, which shocked me. I...
by Mike J. W.
02:26 Tue 09 Sep 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2330
Views: 5717345

Re: Latest buy

3 x 2011 Niepoort Bioma Vinha Velha won at auction for $45 each. One to Big Love (John M.).
by Mike J. W.
20:10 Fri 29 Aug 2025
Forum: Reviews
Topic: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach - 2025
Replies: 9
Views: 3305

Re: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach.

Serious line up. They're all into port? Moses, none of them are serious Port drinkers or collectors; however they really enjoy what I bring every year. They're also getting very good Ports, so that probably augments their enjoyment. I may have to slip an LBV tasting in one night to see what they th...
by Mike J. W.
19:43 Tue 26 Aug 2025
Forum: Reviews
Topic: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach - 2025
Replies: 9
Views: 3305

Re: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach.

Glenn E. wrote: 17:54 Tue 26 Aug 2025
Mike J. W. wrote: 17:25 Tue 26 Aug 2025 Next year of course is 2026, so at least one night will be a tasting of 1966 VP's.
[checks calendar]

I'm available that weekend! :lol:
Lol. I'll let you know when it is. :D
by Mike J. W.
17:25 Tue 26 Aug 2025
Forum: Reviews
Topic: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach - 2025
Replies: 9
Views: 3305

Re: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach.

Serious line up. They're all into port? Moses, none of them are serious Port drinkers or collectors; however they really enjoy what I bring every year. They're also getting very good Ports, so that probably augments their enjoyment. I may have to slip an LBV tasting in one night to see what they th...
by Mike J. W.
14:55 Tue 26 Aug 2025
Forum: Reviews
Topic: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach - 2025
Replies: 9
Views: 3305

Re: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach.

It was a great time, Harry. As far as decanting, I double decanted the two 1985's at 10:00 AM and kept the cork out so they could slow ox the rest of the day until we started drinking them around 8:30 PM. The 1955 Cockburn was decanted into a decanter I brought along 2 1/2 hours before we had it. Th...
by Mike J. W.
00:43 Tue 26 Aug 2025
Forum: Reviews
Topic: My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach - 2025
Replies: 9
Views: 3305

My Annual College Buddy Weekend at the Beach - 2025

My annual get together down at the beach with my college buddies was this past weekend. As usual, I brought the Port and we had tastings on Friday and Saturday night. The first night were all white Ports and they went over better than I expected. The only time most of them have Port is when we get t...
by Mike J. W.
16:30 Mon 18 Aug 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2330
Views: 5717345

Re: Latest buy

Justin, The Dow 1974 is highly likely to be a Colheita, not an LBV. The Symington's liked to call their Colheitas, Reserve or Grande Reserve back then. I have a similar Warre's Reserve from 1976 (and it is quite tasty). They were bottling LBV's in the early 60's and were calling it an LBV, so I'm pr...
by Mike J. W.
03:22 Fri 15 Aug 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Utrecht
Replies: 4
Views: 5241

Re: Utrecht

Trish and I are heading to Utrecht for a few nights later this month. Are there any good Port retailers? Also have you any recomendations for restaurants/bars and things to visit/see? Hi Justin, I snooped around online a little (I Googled "liquor stores in Utrecht"). I didn't look at ever...
by Mike J. W.
03:38 Tue 12 Aug 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1975 Croft
Replies: 8
Views: 9879

Re: 1975 Croft magnum

Was this bottle a later cellar release? I didn't think bar codes were in wide use around 1977. Apols Mike - I completely missed your question. I picked the bottle up from Seckfords in the UK, so not sure of original provenance. In the interim, Alex and Phil have added some colour! No worries Mike. ...
by Mike J. W.
01:07 Mon 11 Aug 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Of what should I buy more?
Replies: 9
Views: 4545

Re: Of what should I buy more?

You can never have too much of the Fonseca '66. The '63 is nice as well, but the '66 is much better in my opinion. I would choose the Graham's '66 over the '70, but both years are nice. Definitely the Taylor '70 as you have listed (lots of it, but not more than the Fonseca '66). The Dow '70 is very ...
by Mike J. W.
15:16 Thu 07 Aug 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 6th August - Virtual Tasting "a port you enjoy drinking when it's supposedly too hot for port"
Replies: 41
Views: 45569

Re: 6th August - Virtual Tasting "a port you enjoy drinking when it's supposedly too hot for port"

Rich, thanks for organising last night's catch up. It was nice to see everyone even if the bottle we randomly chose for Tom to open blew everyone else's choices away. I hope the Achilles heals soon. That just might be the perfect pun even though you were still wishing him a rapid recovery. Tom's ra...
by Mike J. W.
01:43 Thu 07 Aug 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1963 Douro Wine Shippers and Growers Association
Replies: 12
Views: 15221

Re: 1963 Douro Wine Shippers and Growers Association

$80 for a 1963 is not very flattering. No it's not. I think this wine is appraised quite good and the bottles are in great condition. I believe 250 EUR sound more like the right direction for a bottle of 60+ years of age. Hopefully they can be bought and enjoyed by the right buyer. :shock: I'm not ...
by Mike J. W.
17:34 Mon 28 Jul 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2026, date TBA: The Best of the Best from the 1990s
Replies: 43
Views: 24951

Re: 2026, date TBA: The Best of the Best from the 1990s

@ rich_n - after that tasting, I recall I did buy half a case of GC… for about £36 a bottle I think. I'm after the same. I think I might be able to get hold of the Smith-Woodhouse (which according to the notes I was pretty positive about) at ~£33 a bottle delivered, so I will likely pull the trigge...
by Mike J. W.
17:19 Mon 28 Jul 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What do you have most of?
Replies: 47
Views: 114304

Re: What do you have most of?

Thanks George. If I saw that kind of pricing in the U.S. for 1970 and 1977 Port, I'd own a hell of a lot more bottles from those years, especially the 1970 Vintage.
by Mike J. W.
15:36 Sun 27 Jul 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What do you have most of?
Replies: 47
Views: 114304

Re: What do you have most of?

Like 99% of the 1970s, it’s very good, moreover it can be picked up at the cheaper end of the scale perhaps £40-£50 a bottle and that’s principally the reason I have so many bottles of it – it’s sometimes too much of a bargain to pass on! That's a ridiculously great price (under $70US) for a 1970 P...
by Mike J. W.
14:50 Sat 26 Jul 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What do you have most of?
Replies: 47
Views: 114304

Re: What do you have most of?

idj123 wrote: 08:02 Sat 26 Jul 2025 All of those Ports that I have a ready inventory of, I have over 30 bottles of the following:

Cr70
D70
G77
SW77
T85
D94
W94
V97
That's a really nice selection, Ian. I've tried all of them (and they're all good) except for the Croft 1970. How is it?
by Mike J. W.
17:45 Fri 25 Jul 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2026, date TBA: The Best of the Best from the 1990s
Replies: 43
Views: 24951

Re: 2026, date TBA: The Best of the Best from the 1990s

yes please, depending on date, i'm sure that i will have something that fits the final line up. the other way to do this is, people send the host their top 3 wines from the 90's and then host advise what you bring from that list. we could do this blind then? That's a good idea Harry. And maybe save...
by Mike J. W.
17:42 Fri 25 Jul 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2026, date TBA: The Best of the Best from the 1990s
Replies: 43
Views: 24951

Re: 2026, date TBA: The Best of the Best from the 1990s

I just opened up a '95 Vesuvio as it was "next up" and it is very nice. It might be better than the '97 version.
by Mike J. W.
02:37 Thu 24 Jul 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2026, date TBA: The Best of the Best from the 1990s
Replies: 43
Views: 24951

Re: 2026, date TBA: The Best of the Best from the 1990s

The 1995 Smith Woodhouse Madalena is nice as is the 1994 Ferreira. 1992 Fonseca?
by Mike J. W.
02:32 Thu 24 Jul 2025
Forum: Reviews
Topic: 2011: Port from the Nineteen Nineties, Mon 08 August 2011
Replies: 35
Views: 49596

Re: 2011: Port from the Nineteen Nineties, Mon 08 August 2011

Put me down on the list please, Alex. Once I know the date, I can determine if I can make it or not and if I can't I'll bow out in plenty of time to open up the slot for someone else. I have plenty of bottles from the Nineties to choose from.
by Mike J. W.
15:56 Mon 21 Jul 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1975 Croft
Replies: 8
Views: 9879

Re: 1975 Croft magnum

Was this bottle a later cellar release? I didn't think bar codes were in wide use around 1977.
by Mike J. W.
00:15 Sun 20 Jul 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1973 Quinta da Devesa White Colheita
Replies: 1
Views: 7138

Re: 1973 Quinta de Devesa White Colheita

The Casa de Santa Eufemia Reserva Especial White is from 1973 or I should say was originally from 1973 and is very nice, but probably not as good as the Devesa. I believe the story goes that the folks at Casa de Santa Eufemia did not submit the proper paperwork in time to have this declared as a 197...
by Mike J. W.
18:47 Fri 18 Jul 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2330
Views: 5717345

Re: Latest buy

Mike W. and I won at auction last night: 2 @ 1994 Croft 4 @ 2004 Krohn 6 @ 2002 Q de Roriz 6 @ 1991 Delaforce 6 @ 2002 Davis Bynum Port (Mike says made with Malbec grapes) 12 @ 1997 Chateau La Foret Sauternes An odd assortment for sure....but we got it at a v good price (would have been better but ...
by Mike J. W.
18:18 Fri 18 Jul 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 6th August - Virtual Tasting "a port you enjoy drinking when it's supposedly too hot for port"
Replies: 41
Views: 45569

Re: 6th or 7th August - Virtual Tasting (theme TBC)

winesecretary wrote: 20:22 Sun 13 Jul 2025 Mine will probably be 40 YO tawny. Have lots of them, don’t drink them enough.
That sounds like a real problem, George. I think you better ship them to me over in the States and I'll try to resolve that for you. :lol:
by Mike J. W.
00:07 Tue 15 Jul 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: DWWA 2025 - High Scoring Ports
Replies: 17
Views: 23567

Re: DWWA 2025 - High Scoring Ports

This is a great, fun read, thank you Alex. I've heard of Menin, but have never seen any of their Ports in the U.S. The 50 year-old sounds very enticing.

I would be interested in reading your notes on the Madeira, Sherry and Setubal that you scored if you have time. Thanks.
by Mike J. W.
04:59 Sun 13 Jul 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 6th August - Virtual Tasting "a port you enjoy drinking when it's supposedly too hot for port"
Replies: 41
Views: 45569

Re: 6th or 7th August - Virtual Tasting (theme TBC)

I'm retired, so I think I can squeeze it in. My preference would be the 7th, but I can probably make the 6th if that works for the majority.

Alex? You must have a really big, walk-in fridge at your house.
by Mike J. W.
16:09 Wed 09 Jul 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What do you have most of?
Replies: 47
Views: 114304

Re: What do you have most of?

Quantity wise, my top Port would be the 1994 Fonseca followed by the 1994 Vesuvio and 1985 Fonseca. I also have a fair bit of 1977 Smith Woodhouse and 1980 Dow.
by Mike J. W.
15:14 Thu 26 Jun 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 1955 70th Anniversary Tasting Tuesday 1st July 2025
Replies: 136
Views: 220927

Re: 1955 70th Anniversary Tasting Tuesday 1st July 2025

mcoulson wrote: 06:46 Wed 25 Jun 2025 On the N55 front ......

rather a nice colour

1955 N 01.jpg

1955 N 02.jpg
A "195" Port? That might be the oldest Port known to man! I wonder if that's 195 BC or AD? :D
by Mike J. W.
03:06 Tue 17 Jun 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV DR White 30YO
Replies: 0
Views: 22387

NV DR White 30YO

Color : Golden, Rim : Clear, Thin, Meniscus : None, Weight (Viscosity) : Medium, Nose : Butterscotch, Charred Wood, Maple, White Pepper, Taste : Butterscotch, Caramel, Toasted Coconut, Honey, Maple, Marmalade, Pepper, Pineapple, Wood, Acidity : Medium, Mid-palate, Late, Tannins : Light, Mid-palate,...