Search found 15481 matches

by Alex Bridgeman
09:16 Sun 16 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

jdaw1 wrote: 00:36 Sun 16 Feb 2025 + carrots, + carrots: believed done.
Confirmed as done.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:52 Sat 15 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Pointless Statistics
Replies: 257
Views: 252068

Re: Pointless Statistics

Another couple of pointless statistics. Since I started keeping tabs (and taking notes) on the Ports I have tasted in 2006, my top three most frequently tasted Ports are (drum roll): In third place - Warre 1970 with 67 tasting notes. In second place - Graham 1970 with 69 tasting notes. And in first ...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:14 Sat 15 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 28
Views: 4777

Re: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting

Just going through my diary. @Neil - can you confirm that we are still planning to have this tasting?
by Alex Bridgeman
22:59 Sat 15 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 1970 Horizontal, flights 1-4, Friday 3 October 2025
Replies: 41
Views: 3666

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

I am much more worried about having a sufficient supply of glasses. As someone who has to occasionally hire several hundred wine glasses, I would advise that it is not something to leave to the last minute if the B&F are not able to supply them.
by Alex Bridgeman
22:49 Sat 15 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

Some carrots would be an excellent idea. Please could I add these to my order.
by Alex Bridgeman
20:21 Fri 14 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

I see that I am being bottle-shamed into choosing something else. So be it…
by Alex Bridgeman
19:10 Fri 14 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

My bottle has been selected and de-racked.

But it already has 2 tasting notes. Should I look for another bottle?
by Alex Bridgeman
19:07 Fri 14 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Help with handwriting
Replies: 8
Views: 1442

Re: Help with handwriting

Justin has asked me to post his photos:

42b9addc-b397-463c-907f-d878c6c4bacd.jpeg
42b9addc-b397-463c-907f-d878c6c4bacd.jpeg (257.74 KiB) Viewed 1370 times
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5af337ab-3148-42fb-a603-e859daea760c.jpeg (251.8 KiB) Viewed 1370 times
by Alex Bridgeman
22:37 Wed 12 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

jdaw1 wrote: 22:17 Wed 12 Feb 2025 Subject to Harry approval, the 14th place might be taken by the acceptable face of Wiseman.

Edit: approval received.
I am feeling hungry. Please could I add Bakewell crumble with custard to my order.
by Alex Bridgeman
17:54 Wed 12 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 10 February 2025 - 2000 VP Tasting
Replies: 143
Views: 32219

Re: Monday 10 February 2025 - 2000 VP Tasting

Well would you believe it? That's the first time I've tasted Smith Woodhouse 2000 VP.

Who'da'thut it?
by Alex Bridgeman
08:40 Wed 12 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

Has anyone let the Boot & Flogger know that we will need a humongous number of glasses next week?
by Alex Bridgeman
08:37 Wed 12 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

With three people needing to adopt, I am suddenly feeling much less concerned about Harry bringing 6 bottles and Julian bringing 3.

Phew!
by Alex Bridgeman
23:56 Tue 11 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

Large bangers and mash for me please - but with skinny fries instead of mash!
by Alex Bridgeman
22:36 Tue 11 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

please could people bring a fully mature Port for which there are two or fewer tasting notes on the Tasting Note Data Base. can I ask what 'fully Mature' actually means date wise I can't imagine a 2022 vintage would qualify and I'm sure an 1890 would but where is the transition point ? The normal r...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:32 Tue 11 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 1970 Horizontal, flights 1-4, Friday 3 October 2025
Replies: 41
Views: 3666

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

Reconfirmed - and available to help from about 10.30.

…or earlier if I decide to stay in town overnight.
by Alex Bridgeman
20:31 Tue 11 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 1970 Horizontal, flight 0, Thursday 2 October 2025
Replies: 20
Views: 1079

Re: 1970 Horizontal, flight 0, Thursday 2 October 2025

I confirm my availability for the new date.

I also confirm my availability to help set up on both days, should that be needed.

I will email you details on bottles I can supply a little later…
by Alex Bridgeman
13:22 Tue 11 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

Harry now has control of the first post, so please keep an eye on it to see if / how / when things change. Yesterday Harry described his plan. As described yesterday (which was several bottles of Port ago) this will be an evening of two halves. The first half will be a blind tasting with 4-6 bottles...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:34 Mon 10 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

On the assumption that RAYC is not able to be in the UK next week, I will hand control of the first post over to Harry tomorrow so he can organise a tasting he has hoped to run for some months.
by Alex Bridgeman
17:18 Sun 09 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 10 February 2025 - 2000 VP Tasting
Replies: 143
Views: 32219

Re: Monday 10 February 2025 - 2000 VP Tasting

What time will bottles be arriving on Monday?

Would a willing pair of hands be of help in decanting, pouring and setting out?

What time should said willing pair of hands plan to arrive?
by Alex Bridgeman
13:25 Sun 09 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Wanted: metal lid off a Graham 10YO tawny tube
Replies: 2
Views: 185

Re: Wanted: metal lid off a Graham 10YO tawny tube

That's exactly what I'm after! Thank you Michael, much appreciated.
by Alex Bridgeman
13:22 Sat 08 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Wanted: metal lid off a Graham 10YO tawny tube
Replies: 2
Views: 185

Wanted: metal lid off a Graham 10YO tawny tube

Does anyone coming to the Boot and Flogger on the 10th or the 19th have a lid from a tube of Graham 10YO tawny they don’t want? I’m one short for a little “re-purposing” project at home. If someone could bring one with them, I’d be very grateful. I’m not certain, but I think the lid of the Graham, T...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:27 Fri 07 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1976 Fonseca Guimaraens
Replies: 2
Views: 179

Re: 1976 Fonseca Guimaraens

flash_uk wrote: 20:23 Thu 06 Feb 2025 Any kind of flat coke notes on the palate?
Not that I recall, but I didn't have the chance to make a proper tasting note.
by Alex Bridgeman
15:09 Thu 06 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1976 Fonseca Guimaraens
Replies: 2
Views: 179

1976 Fonseca Guimaraens

Fonseca Guimaraens 1976. Still a bizarre wine, black-red colour, hardly any sediment, tasting like chalk and black cherry. So strange. Not growing up at all. 88/100.
by Alex Bridgeman
22:58 Wed 05 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

It sounds wonderful! I love your writeups and photographs. It's almost as if I were there! I also like first photograph (the map), which showed the room rate as 242 EUR? That's really not bad at all for a high-end hotel. Is the room rate the same in all 3 wings, or does that vary? It varies by room...
by Alex Bridgeman
22:15 Wed 05 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

And that concludes my write-up of my visit to the most excellent Kopke Tivoli in Vila Nova de Gaia - unreservedly recommended.
by Alex Bridgeman
22:09 Wed 05 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

In fairness to the Tivoli, the rooms at the Yeatman are ridiculously large. It feels like a quarter of a mile from door to terrace. And the baths… I decided to have a bath in my room there one evening and it took about 30 minutes to fill. But at least once the bath is full you can swim lengths unti...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:58 Wed 05 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

In summary, the hotel was wonderful and we are definitely returning to stay again — and have already booked! What did it for us was the staff. The staff are absolutely wonderful. They have created an atmosphere at the hotel which is relaxed and comfortable while still proving immaculate service. Nac...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:32 Wed 05 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

IMG_1179.jpeg It might be a little mundane, but the car park is definitely worth a mention. In a town where car parking spaces are at a premium, the hotel has a secure, gated and internal car park sitting in the centre of the building. The space has 3 rapid charging points, wide spaces to comfortab...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:30 Wed 05 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

The hotel comes with a spa and 24 hour gym. It will surprise no-one to learn that I didn't try out the gym - but it looked very impressive and was built around a full width, floor-to-ceiling window looking over the Douro. The spa offers a wide variety of massage and other treatments, an indoor pool,...
by Alex Bridgeman
19:45 Wed 05 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

IMG_1153.jpeg Breakfast is served in the Boa Vista restaurant on the middle floor of the hotel. In the summer breakfast will be available on the terrace but in February we were very happy to take the option to eat inside! (The restaurant is also the family restaurant. We had Sunday lunch with frien...
by Alex Bridgeman
22:28 Tue 04 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

IMG_1106.jpeg The rooms are all of a similar size. There's no getting away from the fact that they are smaller than the rooms at the Yeatman, but they are very well appointed. All have walk-in showers, some of the suites also have baths. All the rooms come supplied with steamers, perfect for gettin...
by Alex Bridgeman
22:05 Tue 04 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

IMG_1099.jpeg To one side of the wine bar is the destination restaurant. The hotel has partnered with Nacho Manzano, the three Michelin starred Asturian chef responsible for the success of his family's restaurant Casa Marcial. The menu for the hotel will be based on the legacy of the rich culinary ...
by Alex Bridgeman
17:59 Sun 02 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

IMG_1143.jpeg The hub of the hotel, and to one side of the reception area, is the wine bar and destination restaurant. Both have stunning views over the gardens, the river and of Porto opposite. IMG_1141.jpeg One side of the wine bar is made up of a wall of glass fronted wine storage cabinets. Kopk...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:33 Sun 02 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

The interiors of the hotel are true to its origin, as a warehouse being used to store and mature Port. Some of the internal walls show the massive stone blocks used to construct the original walls and where the rooms beams used to sit. IMG_1065.jpeg Other areas of newer construction are more modern,...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:21 Sun 02 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

The hotel makes the most of its outside space with the majority of rooms having some form of private outdoor space, but the communal areas spread across 5 floors. IMG_1054.jpeg In the summer the hotel will really come into its own. There is the rooftop bar, a terrace outside the wine bar, outdoor ta...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:08 Sun 02 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

IMG_7700.jpeg IMG_1111.jpeg The indoor pool is small but well appointed with two waterfalls, two jacuzzi seats and three bubble jets for guests to swim through. All this in a room with a reflective glass ceiling that when combined with the picture windows makes the space feel much larger than it re...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:50 Sat 01 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

Our arrival was not on the best of days and the background to our exploration of the hotel was of high, grey cloud. But it didn't take a lot of imagination to see how the outdoor pool in the gardens will be a magical place on a hot and sunny day. Surrounded by a manicured lawn, with sunbeds scattere...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:33 Sat 01 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

The hotel has 120 rooms ranging from "Skylight" rooms where the natural light is provided by a lightwell through the roof of the old warehouse - which also provides a little outside space in the summer - to some large penthouse suites. The majority of rooms are facing Porto with views of t...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:08 Sat 01 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Re: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

Taxis drop off in Rua do Barão de Forrester. You can tell when you arrive because the wall suddenly turns a terracotta red. The entrance to the hotel is clear and leads to a wide patio and a flight of steps down to reception — but if you arrive with bags then use the lift in the black glass cubicle ...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:21 Sat 01 Feb 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia
Replies: 19
Views: 9697

Kopke Tivoli Hotel, Vila Nova de Gaia

Saturday 1st February 2025 saw the opening day of Gaia’s latest luxury hotel. Aimed at being a direct competitor to the Yeatman, the Kopke Tivoli is a conversion of part of Kopke’s cellars that lie just a block up the hill from the river, on the opposite side of the road from the Hilton and the Niep...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:19 Thu 30 Jan 2025
Forum: Other Fortified Wines
Topic: NV Quady Starboard Batch 88
Replies: 0
Views: 2232

NV Quady Starboard Batch 88

Starboard batch 88, a half bottle filled about 20 years ago. Sealed with a t-stopper, made from Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão and Tinta Amarela. Imported by Cabot Cellars, Orchard House, Nailsea, Bristol, BS19 1JD. Deep orange in colour with a hint of cherry in the tone; 40% opaque. Mild blueberry and whit...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:51 Tue 28 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Messias White 50YO
Replies: 0
Views: 376

NV Messias White 50YO

6cl sample of Messias 50YO White. Dark brown colour, 30% opaque. Generous vinagrinho on the nose, but not much fruit. On the palate the wine shows more fruit, dried apple, mango and a fragrant acacia honey. All combine to deliver a wonderful mouthful of wine. Dark honey and fragrant lime oil dance a...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:51 Tue 28 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Messias White 40YO
Replies: 0
Views: 185

NV Messias White 40YO

6cl sample of Messias 40YO white. Darker and more brown than the 30YO. A wonderful clover honey on the nose, sweet and complex. So refined on the palate! Smooth, perfumed honey just oozes over the tongue - but don’t miss the acidity that lurks and smirks under all that honey. Glorious honey and lemo...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:50 Tue 28 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Messias White 30YO
Replies: 0
Views: 166

NV Messias White 30YO

6cl sample of Messias 30YO white. A step up from the 20YO on the nose, a little denser in the honeyed fruit. Rich apricot and peach in syrup on the palate, slightly thickened in texture. The acidity is pitched just perfectly to give a big aftertaste full of satsuma zest. Big, delicious and well bala...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:49 Tue 28 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Messias White 20YO
Replies: 0
Views: 162

NV Messias White 20YO

Messias White 20YO - a 6cl sample tube not properly sealed and which had leaked a little in transit. A dark amber colour. Much better balanced on the nose than the 10YO White tasted alongside this wine, this has a richness and ripeness to the fruit that is welcoming. The balance holds on the palate;...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:48 Tue 28 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Messias White 10YO
Replies: 0
Views: 168

NV Messias White 10YO

Messias White 10YO - 6cl sample tube not properly sealed and which had leaked a little in transit. A warm golden colour. Gentle tinned peaches on the nose, with a bitterness to the sweet fruit on the palate. A long finish of white radish - herbaceous but bitter - with a distinct minerality to it. No...
by Alex Bridgeman
00:11 Fri 24 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

B&F has not been booked but I have been told that there is still availability for a table for 14 people.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:09 Thu 23 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Pointless Statistics
Replies: 257
Views: 252068

Re: Pointless Statistics

jdaw1 wrote: 23:31 Wed 22 Jan 2025
Alex Bridgeman wrote: 18:08 Wed 22 Jan 20251963 5% (10%)
That’s drinking!
That’s what the bottles were bought for.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:06 Thu 23 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables
Replies: 94
Views: 19178

Re: 19 Feb 25 (TBC) - Niche-interest bottlings & old reliables

Bear with. I have reached out to Rob.

If his travel plans have changed significantly I’ll take over this date and turn it into a “bring a bottle” tasting.

But it’s still a few weeks away so let’s wait a few days to see if Rob’s still expecting to make the trip.
by Alex Bridgeman
18:26 Wed 22 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 1985 Cálem - suspicious bottle
Replies: 31
Views: 2520

Re: 1985 Cálem - suspicious bottle

That looks genuine to me. How odd.

Have you asked the IVDP to confirm the sello was one given to Calem?