ThePortForum.com

Hi Phil, Yes, it is amusing to look at my plan vs. actual. The original idea was to purchase a case of 'ready to drink' vintage port, put it in the cellar, and problem solved for the next five years or so. This was always hopelessly naïve -- once I buy some port, of course I will want to explore. Al...

I hope they didn't ask question eight right before two.

Thank you both. Yes, I'm used to dumb phases from other wines, but Port seems to take this to another level. I was hoping that is the story with my Croft. Looking forward to giving the '85 Fonseca a try now that Easter is around the corner.

Otherwise I’d buy in bond from one of the reputable bonded warehouse operators. You’d know the wines had been stored properly while with the operator and can ask when and where from the wine was deposited with them. Seckfords run their own bonded warehouses and broke for their clients. Goedhuis cli...

Thank you, Alex. Yes, I appreciate the advice. I've decided to 1. get over my obsession with provenance and, since that means I no longer need to buy a case, 2. try a few different ages / vintages as suggested and 3. avoid 1977. A bit by chance, I have bought two each of Croft '09 and Croft '03. I n...

Hi Sean, and welcome to TPF. In terms of trying to obtain impeccable provenance and minimise risk, I would suggest that your best bet would be to buy from a high-reputation retailer, and to ensure that the case you buy is in-bond, so you're essentially guaranteed that the case has been in well clim...

I have 10 bottles each from cases of 12 of Dow 1983 and Dow 1985 which I suspect might all prove to be flawed. Some kind of bacterial thing, it is not TCA. So you bought opened cases with 10 wines left, and it seems they all are flawed? It's sad that someone might do that, but not a total surprise....

are you worried about condition or authenticity when you mention provenance? If you are worried about condition then I agree with Julian. I was worried about condition, especially getting an entire case that is cooked or corked. I know people who only buy full cases of Bordeaux at auction, on the t...

Thanks, jdaw -- I suspected that was the summary.

I can actually get Bordeaux back to the 80s with my approach. Earlier than that does start to get tricky.

Hi all, A longtime lurker here. I never registered as I rarely drink port (my cellar is stuffed with Bordeaux) -- I have simply enjoyed the rare combination of passion and military organization (jdaw1) on this site. In any event, I have signed up to ask for a bit of guidance about provenance. I do b...