Search found 15463 matches

by Alex Bridgeman
17:18 Sun 09 Feb 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 10 February 2025 - 2000 VP Tasting
Replies: 129
Views: 27149

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: 92

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: 92

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: 94

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: 94

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 5363

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: 1420

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: 314

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: 126

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: 115

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: 114

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: 114

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: 39
Views: 6101

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: 255
Views: 245957

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: 39
Views: 6101

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: 30
Views: 1196

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?
by Alex Bridgeman
18:08 Wed 22 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Pointless Statistics
Replies: 255
Views: 245957

Re: Pointless Statistics

Time for some more pointless statistics. On 31 December 2024, my cellar comprised of the following (with 2012 figures in brackets) Port 86% (91%) Bordeaux 3% (3%) South Africa 2% (0.5%) Italy 1% (less than 0.5%) Australia 1% (1%) Portugal 1% (less than 0.5%) Spain 1% (0.5%) England 1% (less than 0.5...
by Alex Bridgeman
12:13 Tue 21 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 37
Views: 2172

Re: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

nac wrote: 09:38 Tue 21 Jan 2025 Alex - given the quality of what’s being provided it might be worth checking with Hawksmoor that they have sufficient & consistent glassware available to support this event? They’ve been a bit hit & miss at some of our previous lunches there…
Good thought, thanks.
by Alex Bridgeman
12:11 Tue 21 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Taylor’s Historic Collection IV - The Globe
Replies: 2
Views: 346

Re: Taylor’s Historic Collection IV - The Globe

If anyone tries the wine, please report your thoughts here. I missed out on the last two releases so am curious to know what this one tastes like.
by Alex Bridgeman
12:10 Tue 21 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Taylor’s Historic Collection IV - The Globe
Replies: 2
Views: 346

Re: Taylor’s Historic Collection IV - The Globe

The text of the press release reads: Taylor’s Unveils The Globe: The Fourth Limited Edition from Its Historical Bottle Collection. Taylor’s Port unveils The Globe, the latest addition to the highly sought after Taylor’s Historical Limited Editions. Reflecting on the success of previous releases, Adr...
by Alex Bridgeman
07:41 Tue 21 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: A reliable company to collect and forward bottles won at Auction
Replies: 24
Views: 24542

Re: A reliable company to collect and forward bottles won at Auction

A round robin collection approach would be more efficient, but I assumed collecting about 30 bottles per visit and then outsourcing the delivery to DHL.
by Alex Bridgeman
00:32 Tue 21 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: A reliable company to collect and forward bottles won at Auction
Replies: 24
Views: 24542

Re: A reliable company to collect and forward bottles won at Auction

The discussion about Benelux and the need for a service to be able to collect, pack, ship and deliver bottles purchased at auction made me sit down and work out the economics of what I used to do - to travel to an auction house and collect my purchases. (The furthest I ever went was Perth, Perthshir...
by Alex Bridgeman
21:17 Mon 20 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tastings (Physical & Virtual) - Planner
Replies: 78
Views: 67153

Re: Tastings (Physical & Virtual) - Planner

The emergency offline in London on January 3rd did happen. It took place at 67 Pall Mall and featured Kopke 1975 Colheita, Warre 1980, Fonseca 1963 and Fonseca 1934 (from Castle Raby). Attended by me, Martin and Nigel.
by Alex Bridgeman
20:42 Mon 20 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 37
Views: 2172

Re: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

I've now had chance to collate everything people have offered onto a spreadsheet (I love a good spreadsheet) and have updated the first post with the allocation of seats and assignment of bottles. This allocation can and will change as people buy / discover / offer up older bottles. Essentially thou...
by Alex Bridgeman
19:48 Mon 20 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 37
Views: 2172

Re: Monday ?13th? October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

@ Alex - I am sorry if I came across as grumpy, I was attempting gracefully to resign my seat to those who enjoy this stuff (even) more than I do. I will enjoy reading the tasting notes. You didn't come across to me as grumpy; I apologise for making it seem that I thought you had. (We are nice and ...
by Alex Bridgeman
08:20 Sun 19 Jan 2025
Forum: Selling Port
Topic: Benelux Shipping - Micheal Vaus
Replies: 3
Views: 4929

Re: Benelux Shipping - Micheal Vaus

Sorry John, I’ve never used Benelux Shipping.
by Alex Bridgeman
08:05 Sat 18 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2246
Views: 1047007

Re: Latest buy

I love the idea of using a decanter stand to catch the last few drips of Port!
by Alex Bridgeman
11:05 Fri 17 Jan 2025
Forum: Other Fortified Wines
Topic: NV 20 YO Henriques and Henriques Terrantez
Replies: 4
Views: 898

Re: NV 20 YO Henriques and Henriques Terrantez

And also a most wonderful place to be drinking it.

Where are you staying?
by Alex Bridgeman
18:12 Thu 16 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 37
Views: 2172

Re: Monday ?13th? October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

I might be about to commit heresy, and I am certainly suffering from pre-holiday-blues, so you may put this down to that. My attendance at this tasting now becomes less likely, not only because I have little port from before 1960, but also because the older it is the more I worry that other people ...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:49 Wed 15 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 37
Views: 2172

Re: Monday ?13th? October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

In the spirit of openness and honesty, with Michael’s offer to bring the 1924, I am considering replacing some of my younger vintages with older vintages which are not yet on the list. That would, in turn, trigger a re-working of who was bringing what. And who therefore has a seat at the dinner tabl...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:37 Wed 15 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Mystery Evening at the Boot & Flogger 16th Sept 2025
Replies: 18
Views: 1047

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

Yes please. (Helps if I look at the right date in my diary!)

I love the idea of cellar reduction parties!
by Alex Bridgeman
22:45 Tue 14 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 37
Views: 2172

Re: Monday ?13th? October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

Hi Alex I would be interested if not too late. I have 1924 and 1927 as well as some of the newer vintages. I think I might have one other not listed but need to check at weekend. Michael, the 1927 or 1924 would certainly get you a seat at the table (sorry Phil). Let me know at the weekend what you'...
by Alex Bridgeman
22:21 Tue 14 Jan 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Hotel or Restaurant Price List of the Week
Replies: 171
Views: 159447

Re: Hotel or Restaurant Price List of the Week

IMG_0812.jpeg An interesting thing happened the other day. Dining at the 1665 Bistro in the Mitre Hotel in Hampton Court I checked the wine list for Port, as I always do. Not bad, Barros 10YO Tawny and Barros 2018 LBV by the glass or bottle and Barros 2002 by the bottle (£120). But then I went to t...
by Alex Bridgeman
19:14 Tue 14 Jan 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 37
Views: 2172

Re: Monday ?13th? October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

Ouch, my head hurts. My plan is to try to put together as old a vertical as I can, giving seats round the table to the 8 people who can offer the oldest bottles. Currently that would be: Tony - something appropriate Charles - 1935 Harry - 1945 Me - 1948 (which also brings 1955, 1963 and 1970) Mike w...