Search found 55 matches

by JohnDavidFrance
13:22 Thu 16 Jul 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: The Untold Story of Port
Replies: 6
Views: 2468

Re: The Untold Story of Port

Booooo no samples shipped out! I might have to join in on this though πŸ€” thanks for the heads up!
by JohnDavidFrance
08:17 Mon 06 Jul 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Quinta do Noval Tasting 1 September 2026
Replies: 57
Views: 16695

Re: Quinta do Noval Tasting 1 September 2026

There is a 91 national in chiswick auction at the moment? Finishes on the 17th...
by JohnDavidFrance
09:10 Thu 18 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 19th October 2026 - a vertical of old Sandeman
Replies: 62
Views: 27732

Re: Monday 19th October 2026 - a vertical of old Sandeman

After reading this absolutely wild thread, i searched my bottle list and alas i on have a 1958, an odd year for sure and one perhaps for another tasting. This sounds like a stellar line up though, hope to see some notes from this!
by JohnDavidFrance
21:33 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: The Port Forum 20th Anniversary - June 2027
Replies: 54
Views: 31930

Re: The Port Forum 20th Anniversary - June 2027

Love it, certainly interested in the gala dinner for sure. Happy to even be considered as a reserve being so new ❀️
by JohnDavidFrance
11:45 Mon 08 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 19th October 2026 - a vertical of old Sandeman
Replies: 62
Views: 27732

Re: Monday 19th October 2026 - a vertical of old wines

Interested for sure, though most of my old bottles are colheitas i think
by JohnDavidFrance
12:45 Mon 01 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Dow Vertical 2 February 2027
Replies: 38
Views: 10244

Re: Dow Vertical 2 February 2027

Just had a cheeky look in the cave, spotted a 60 and a 70 dow along with some 2009 but that's out of scope
by JohnDavidFrance
10:16 Mon 25 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Dow Vertical 2 February 2027
Replies: 38
Views: 10244

Re: Dow Vertical (Date TBC)

I have some Dow, count me in πŸ‘
by JohnDavidFrance
18:16 Fri 15 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Wine Society 70 bottling tasting
Replies: 16
Views: 6560

Re: Wine Society 70 bottling tasting

Id be game as an adopter? As i dont have WS bottling....at the moment
by JohnDavidFrance
18:13 Fri 15 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 63@63 Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Replies: 56
Views: 41122

Re: 63@63...Tuesday 22nd September 2026

Figured i better show some available bottles. From memory i have Burmester, Borges and Gould Campbell for sure, will double check other stock when i can
by JohnDavidFrance
17:59 Fri 15 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June
Replies: 115
Views: 75035

Re: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June

For me:

Smoked salmon
Bangers and mash with side of carrots
Chocolate brownie

Thank you!
by JohnDavidFrance
17:44 Thu 14 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 63@63 Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Replies: 56
Views: 41122

Re: 63@63...Tuesday 22nd September 2026

Just confirming for the set date πŸ‘Œ
by JohnDavidFrance
20:31 Sat 09 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical
Replies: 93
Views: 63660

Re: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical

Michael this was a great introduction for me in to a proper B&F night. The spread of wines was great, food great as always and the company even better. I was a little wavey walking up to my room though, not wanting to waste the good stuff caught up with me πŸ˜… I'll definitely second alex's notion ...
by JohnDavidFrance
20:23 Sat 09 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: WED 17TH June - Bottle wrapped in foil and Quevedo Closure Experience Case
Replies: 76
Views: 26913

Re: Bring a bottle wrapped in foil Tuesday 16th June

Im going to greatly regret this, but i'll give up my space on this one seeing as im there for RP a week earlier
by JohnDavidFrance
15:39 Mon 04 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: WED 17TH June - Bottle wrapped in foil and Quevedo Closure Experience Case
Replies: 76
Views: 26913

Re: Bring a bottle wrapped in foil

Interested, though Ramos Pinto tasting is also early June?
by JohnDavidFrance
14:11 Sat 02 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Quinta do Noval Tasting 1 September 2026
Replies: 57
Views: 16695

Re: Noval (inc. some Nacional) Tasting 1 or 8 September?

I have a 1970 noval if useful so count me in if space allows πŸ‘Œ
by JohnDavidFrance
07:33 Fri 24 Apr 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: The Port Forum 20th Anniversary - June 2027
Replies: 54
Views: 31930

Re: The Port Forum 20th Anniversary - June 2027

I see the vibe for this trip is already perfect 🀣 happy to help with organising also if needs be. If accomodations are needed in the douro then i'll be able to secure πŸ‘
by JohnDavidFrance
21:00 Mon 20 Apr 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical
Replies: 93
Views: 63660

Re: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical

I will bring the SW70 and GC70, and if you would like the GC85 Thank you, Harry. I've put you down as bringing the SW70 and the GC70. However, as you're doing the heaviest lifting in bringing two of the oldest bottles, and as JDF doesn't have anything available, perhaps it makes sense for him to ad...
by JohnDavidFrance
14:21 Mon 20 Apr 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical
Replies: 93
Views: 63660

Re: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical

Food choices:

Soup
Bangers and mash
Lemon tart
by JohnDavidFrance
15:24 Wed 15 Apr 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June
Replies: 115
Views: 75035

Re: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June

So far on my travels i have only seen 1991 (€199) and 1995 (€95) if anyone thinks they are worth getting?
by JohnDavidFrance
19:36 Thu 09 Apr 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 63@63 Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Replies: 56
Views: 41122

Re: 63@63.. ?

Either date works for me if there is space πŸ‘
by JohnDavidFrance
15:00 Thu 09 Apr 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: The Port Forum Xmas Tasting - Thursday 10th December 2026
Replies: 15
Views: 14467

Re: The Port Forum Xmas Tasting

2 days after my birthday, how could i not! John, apologies, but because we can only fit 10 people around the table in Tom’s pub, the people who attended last year (and the people on last year’s waiting list) get first refusal. But I can put you at the top of the list of people joining the waiting l...
by JohnDavidFrance
11:10 Mon 06 Apr 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: The Port Forum Xmas Tasting - Thursday 10th December 2026
Replies: 15
Views: 14467

Re: The Port Forum Xmas Tasting

2 days after my birthday, how could i not!
by JohnDavidFrance
08:59 Mon 06 Apr 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 63@63 Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Replies: 56
Views: 41122

Re: 63@63.. ?

Would love that! Count me in
by JohnDavidFrance
12:11 Sat 07 Mar 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: BFT after party ... 23rd March B&F
Replies: 9
Views: 12211

Re: BFT after party ... 23rd March B&F

Just confirming my attendance after Mr Alex very kindly sorted me out. Are we bringing bottles or resting our livers after the day? πŸ˜…
by JohnDavidFrance
12:20 Wed 25 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: BFT after party ... 23rd March B&F
Replies: 9
Views: 12211

Re: BFT after party ... 23rd March B&F

Just need to square my attendance with Alex but would love to join if there is space
by JohnDavidFrance
20:48 Tue 17 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June
Replies: 115
Views: 75035

Re: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June

Will see what bottles are on offer RE: 1955 when i head there in April. A good friends Uncle works for Ramos Pinto so here's hoping 😬
by JohnDavidFrance
14:24 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical
Replies: 93
Views: 63660

Re: May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical

FYI there is a smith woodhouse 1980 vp in the current Wine Auctioneer if needed
by JohnDavidFrance
12:39 Thu 12 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical
Replies: 93
Views: 63660

Re: May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical

JohnDavidFrance wrote: ↑10:31 Thu 12 Feb 2026 Put me as a reserve if possible. Not because of dates but because i have none of the above at the momebt but alwats shopping and in porto during april so could find something nice
Add me to the list if possible, I have 2 x 63 Gould Campbell after all πŸ‘Œ
by JohnDavidFrance
10:31 Thu 12 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical
Replies: 93
Views: 63660

Re: May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical

Put me as a reserve if possible. Not because of dates but because i have none of the above at the momebt but alwats shopping and in porto during april so could find something nice
by JohnDavidFrance
20:29 Fri 30 Jan 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June
Replies: 115
Views: 75035

Re: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June

Love to join in if space, i have a 1982 and 1983 direct from the cellars
by JohnDavidFrance
17:46 Sun 25 Jan 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: CANCELLED - Ends in a 7 - Tuesday 12th January 2027
Replies: 29
Views: 33617

Re: Ends in a 7 - Tuesday 12th January 2027

Ear mark me a space alex! I'll find something interesting for this. I have some already but i'll try fill a gap i we end up missing something
by JohnDavidFrance
15:09 Fri 23 Jan 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 60 @ 66 - Tuesday 14 April 2026
Replies: 109
Views: 110012

Re: 60 @ 66 - Tuesday 14 April 2026

Would have loved to join in, however, i'm in the douro that week :roll:
by JohnDavidFrance
20:18 Mon 05 Jan 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Fonseca and Niepoort - 19th January 2027
Replies: 31
Views: 39256

Re: Fonseca vs Niepoort - 6th October 2026

I have Fonseca 66,70,77,88 (though i was trying to save the 88 )
by JohnDavidFrance
12:14 Mon 05 Jan 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Fonseca and Niepoort - 19th January 2027
Replies: 31
Views: 39256

Re: Fonseca vs Niepoort - 6th October 2026

JohnDavidFrance wrote: ↑12:08 Mon 05 Jan 2026 Count me in if there is space πŸ‘
I have some estate bottles from Santo Antonio? Although not labelled as Fonseca it's owned/operated by them? Could even even bring one just as a brucy bonus?
by JohnDavidFrance
18:48 Sun 04 Jan 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Zombie Escape, Tue 29 Dec 2026, B&F
Replies: 22
Views: 34124

Re: Zombie Escape, Tue 29 Dec 2026, B&F

This sounds fun! Is there a space still? Yes, added. Be aware that the current placemats are somewhat in jest β€” the presence of Tuke Holdsworth 1756 is not perfectly guaranteed, nor that of the Sandeman 1797, even knowing that everybody will be bringing serious bottles. But I’m very hopeful that so...
by JohnDavidFrance
18:13 Sun 04 Jan 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Zombie Escape, Tue 29 Dec 2026, B&F
Replies: 22
Views: 34124

Re: Zombie Escape, Tue 29 Dec 2026, B&F

This sounds fun! Is there a space still?
by JohnDavidFrance
14:29 Mon 24 Nov 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Interesting articles re future of Port
Replies: 10
Views: 24509

Re: Interesting articles re future of Port

Maybe the solution is for less VP to be sold when first bottled with more of the production being matured in the producer’s cellars and held back for later release. There would be a cash flow hit for the producer, but they would then have more control over the future price of the mature wine. We ar...
by JohnDavidFrance
08:58 Thu 20 Nov 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Interesting articles re future of Port
Replies: 10
Views: 24509

Re: Interesting articles re future of Port

That second article is very damning of the government and agricultural institutes of Portugal, but I agree with the above, this is coming from someone who represents a monopoly on douro producers, the symingtons arn't typical farmers, they are business people who will fight a full war for a one cent...
by JohnDavidFrance
09:27 Mon 17 Nov 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Port Wein Messe Leverkusen
Replies: 4
Views: 21040

Re: Port Wein Messe Leverkusen

I’m really glad this event is being held close to home, I attend every year. I won’t be able to make the Thursday dinner (the night before the mezze), so if any TPF member doesn’t have dinner plans for the 27th and would like to join me for a "late" dinner, feel free to send me a message....
by JohnDavidFrance
19:51 Wed 12 Nov 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: BBR Port Walk - 25th November 2025
Replies: 9
Views: 29548

Re: BBR Port Walk - 25th November 2025

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑12:34 Wed 12 Nov 2025 If anyone attending is interested in having a late lunch together before the Berry's tasting, drop me a PM and I'll coordinate something.
I would have been game as it's just a tasting not a meal but my train only gets in at euston after 4pm πŸ™„
by JohnDavidFrance
19:45 Wed 12 Nov 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: The Source
Replies: 6
Views: 21030

Re: The Source

The portosphere, i love it 🀣 yeah i met roy hersh of FTLOP earlier this year, absolute gem and his connections are astounding. I was trying to make it on to his tour in september but I just couldn't make it work πŸ˜ͺ I hear you with the niche thing, it's a real shame as there is plenty to go at in the ...
by JohnDavidFrance
12:30 Tue 11 Nov 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: The Source
Replies: 6
Views: 21030

The Source

Hi All, I know we have many many members from all over the world here, but I want to ask....were do you get all your port wine news from? In the UK we have select magazines focused on wine such as Decanter magazine that sometimes feature port, but what do YOU use to stay up to date? Facebook groups ...
by JohnDavidFrance
16:22 Mon 10 Nov 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: BBR Port Walk - 25th November 2025
Replies: 9
Views: 29548

Re: BBR Port Walk - 25th November 2025

I'll be there, travelling down from Preston (Lancashire) station πŸ‘ though i will have to leave 10 min early as the train back from Euston is at 21:10 πŸ˜…
Very much looking forward to trying the 80 tawny as i missed it on my last visit to Porto!
by JohnDavidFrance
08:11 Mon 10 Nov 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Port Wein Messe Leverkusen
Replies: 4
Views: 21040

Port Wein Messe Leverkusen

I've been a bit absent from the forum the last few months but it doesn't mean i've not been busy. I thought i'd see if anyone here is attending the Port Wein Messe in Leverkusen this month? I'll be there, travelling from the UK. Axel Probst is the host and has held many successful events previously ...
by JohnDavidFrance
21:42 Sat 21 Dec 2024
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Offley Forrester Very Old
Replies: 3
Views: 16528

Re: Offley Forrester Very Old

Oh no, not put off at all, it's a beautiful example. Similar to some 40 y.o tawny i sampled. The bottle is a moulded style, two seems up opposite sides, stopping half an inch from the mouth, with a third seem running around the base. The base its self is completely smooth, no markings, just the bord...
by JohnDavidFrance
21:00 Fri 20 Dec 2024
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Offley Forrester Very Old
Replies: 3
Views: 16528

Offley Forrester Very Old

I came across seven worse for wear bottles of Offley at auction recently. They intrigued me greatly and I won them at a fair price. Well, after about 3 weeks sitting in my collection I caved and had to try one. These bottles are Offley Forrester Boa Vista Old in Wood Very Finest Old Port (quite the ...
by JohnDavidFrance
09:50 Tue 17 Dec 2024
Forum: Introductions
Topic: It is time!
Replies: 14
Views: 96726

Re: It is time!

Ah excellent! I'll see if i can make the dates work as my flights are not booked yet. Out of curiosity, were is your tour heading? That is unknown to me at present. A friend is working with Roy Hersh to set up a tour for some of her WA winemaker friends, so it will no doubt be similar to past FTLOP...