Search found 15490 matches

by Alex Bridgeman
16:56 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Graham Blend No.5 White
Replies: 0
Views: 50

NV Graham Blend No.5 White

Fruit led nose, of fresh green apples. Sweet honeyed apples on the palate. A little bitterness on the finish. Better when mixed, as intended. 85/100. Tasted 18-Feb-2025.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:51 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1995 Quinta do Vesuvio
Replies: 0
Views: 21

1995 Quinta do Vesuvio

Library release in 2024. A lovely dark brick red colour. Deep and rich dark fruit on the nose, full of liquorice. Medium bodied dark fruit with gentle tannins. A lovely menthol and black cherry finish. Great Port, still youthful. 94/100. Tasted 18-Feb-2025.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:44 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2003 Dow
Replies: 0
Views: 20

2003 Dow

Library release. Mature brick red colour. A little sweet and complex fruit on the nose. A lovely mouthful of fruit, slightly drier than the Graham 2003 tasted alongside this bottle. The palate comes with a wonderful gentle grip that subtly highlights the quality of the fruit. Great liquorice finish....
by Alex Bridgeman
16:37 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Dow 40YO (bottled 2021)
Replies: 0
Views: 14

NV Dow 40YO (bottled 2021)

Bottled 2021. Wonderfully rich sweet citrus on the expressive nose. Smooth on the palate, restrained with dark sugar, torched brûlée and generous citrus. A lovely bitter-sweet citrus on the long finish. This wine has a lovely richness to it. 94/100. Tasted 18-Feb-2025.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:07 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2003 Warre
Replies: 0
Views: 27

2003 Warre

Library release. The darkest of the three 2003 VPs at this tasting. The wine has a wonderful fragrant nose, so expressive! Less expressive on the palate than the nose.
A lovely elegance to the fruit on the palate and a lingering strawberry finish. 93/100. Tasted 18-Feb-2025.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:00 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Warre Otima Tawny 10YO (bottled 2024)
Replies: 0
Views: 19

NV Warre Otima Tawny 10YO (bottled 2024)

Bottled 2024 in 50cl. Set fruit on the nose. Mild entry which builds nicely on the mid-palate. Gentle orange finish. Great length. Very elegant. 89/100. Tasted 18-Feb-2025.
by Alex Bridgeman
15:55 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2019 Cockburn LBV
Replies: 0
Views: 24

2019 Cockburn LBV

Wonderful on the nose, floral fruit. Smooth texture, soft sweet fruit. Good acidity with tannins mostly hidden. Lovely long floral finish. This is just gorgeous. 88/100. Tasted 18-Feb-2025.
by Alex Bridgeman
15:50 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Cockburn Special Reserve
Replies: 0
Views: 23

NV Cockburn Special Reserve

Fresh crushed berries and redcurrant. Lovely ripe fruit, a light touch of tannin. Very approachable with a great finish
Slightly too sweet on the finish. Pleasant every day Port. 85/100. Tasted 18-Feb-2025.
by Alex Bridgeman
15:46 Tue 18 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2003 Horizontal - Tue 18 March 2025
Replies: 67
Views: 13831

Re: 2003 Horizontal - Tue 18 March 2025

jdaw1 wrote: 22:31 Mon 17 Feb 2025
PhilW wrote: 22:25 Mon 17 Feb 2025I can help - rather than adopt, I can now bring a Dow, which would help lighten the JDAW load.
Thank you. Done — in the placemats.

Note to self: JDAW is bringing Portal, Portal+, Cockburn, Niepoort Secundum, Roriz, and Sandeman Vau.
Is the Sandeman Vau in double-magnum format?
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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 256699

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: 30
Views: 6378

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: 4748

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 1626

Re: Help with handwriting

Justin has asked me to post his photos:

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42b9addc-b397-463c-907f-d878c6c4bacd.jpeg (257.74 KiB) Viewed 1552 times
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5af337ab-3148-42fb-a603-e859daea760c.jpeg (251.8 KiB) Viewed 1552 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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 35368

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 4748

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: 1463

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 106
Views: 24983

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: 35368

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: 203

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: 203

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: 209

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: 209

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 12237

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: 2578

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...