Search found 1998 matches

by RonnieRoots
10:04 Mon 30 Dec 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Festive Drinking
Replies: 21
Views: 18499

Re: Festive Drinking

winesecretary wrote: 11:01 Sun 29 Dec 2019 @ronnieroots: that Granit 30 is a gem, isn't it? Great rapport qualite/prix
It sure is. I love the Granit 60 as well, but can't beat the 30 for the price.
by RonnieRoots
06:53 Sun 29 Dec 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Festive Drinking
Replies: 21
Views: 18499

Re: Festive Drinking

I thought it would be fun to see how some of the smaller producer's ports were doing at around 20 years of age, so that was the theme for Christmas ports. At two occasions, we drank: - Quinta do Javali 2001 LBV - Quinta do Vale D. Maria 1999 - Kopke 2000 - Quinta do Crasto 2000 (from half bottle and...
by RonnieRoots
06:07 Thu 13 Jun 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Hotel or Restaurant Price List of the Week
Replies: 171
Views: 159505

Re: Hotel or Restaurant Price List of the Week

But I think the award for London’s most impressive vintage port list has got to go to Bar Douro, which offers: Churchill Ruby Reserve @ £34 Churchill White Port (50cl) @ £40 - this is basically a 10YO white Churchill 10YO Tawny (50cl) @ £45 Churchill 2011 LBV @ £46 Churchill 20YO Tawny (50cl) @ £62...
by RonnieRoots
06:04 Thu 13 Jun 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Taylor 1955 at Auction
Replies: 2
Views: 5499

Re: Taylor 1955 at Auction

Look who it is! We can do a reunion ;-)
Did you end up buying the Port?
by RonnieRoots
04:49 Wed 22 May 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2017 Declarations
Replies: 36
Views: 43241

Re: 2017 Declarations

Axel P wrote: 12:59 Mon 20 May 2019 Sogrape only with 2 Single Quintas...
For the first time ever in a general declared year. (?).
Do you know the reason for this? Did they not get the quality they wanted or a commercial reason?
by RonnieRoots
07:17 Mon 25 Feb 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Graham's Blend No. 5 White Port
Replies: 8
Views: 10703

Re: Graham's Blend No. 5 White Port

I tried it last week. Very youthful, fresh style, high on Muscat which really shows in the aromas. Medium-dry style which works wonders with tonic. Incredibly refreshing summer drink, and it looks great too. Well done!
by RonnieRoots
06:56 Sun 03 Feb 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Well I never...
Replies: 7
Views: 10577

Re: Well I never...

jdaw1 wrote: 11:43 Sat 02 Feb 2019 Oh dear. Perhaps I came across as bit too much like me.
:lol:
He was wrong on one account though: you did keep drinking Fonseca 66 and probably will the rest of your life.
by RonnieRoots
05:18 Wed 30 Jan 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Well I never...
Replies: 7
Views: 10577

Well I never...

I was quietly reading Jason Wilson's book Godforsaken Grapes when all of a sudden I came across this:
fullsizeoutput_36a6.jpg
fullsizeoutput_36a6.jpg (75.3 KiB) Viewed 10504 times
And even AHB and Uncle Tom got a mention:
fullsizeoutput_36a6.jpg
fullsizeoutput_36a6.jpg (75.3 KiB) Viewed 10504 times
fullsizeoutput_36a6.jpg
fullsizeoutput_36a6.jpg (75.3 KiB) Viewed 10504 times
It gave me a good chuckle.
by RonnieRoots
08:48 Sun 24 Jun 2018
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Buying LBV
Replies: 7
Views: 7655

Re: Buying LBV

I've always enjoyed buying LBVs and ageing them for at least 10 years, many last 20 years with ease. I don't know about 2011, but from other vintages I've bought and enjoyed: - Niepoort (many vintages, the ones from the mid-nineties are wonderful to drink now) - Smith Woodhouse (still drinking their...
by RonnieRoots
11:19 Tue 12 Jun 2018
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2015 declarations
Replies: 63
Views: 88294

Re: 2015 declarations

Tasted at the London Wine Fair last week: Quinta da Côrte 2015. They told me they will also declare 2016, but haven't done so yet (as of last week). Is that still Delaforce or is it now an independent producer? It was apparently never owned by Delaforce (which was news to me!), but the family who o...
by RonnieRoots
04:48 Tue 05 Jun 2018
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2015 declarations
Replies: 63
Views: 88294

Re: 2015 declarations

Tasted at the London Wine Fair last week: Quinta da Côrte 2015.
They told me they will also declare 2016, but haven't done so yet (as of last week).
by RonnieRoots
07:43 Mon 23 Apr 2018
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Quinta do Pego
Replies: 0
Views: 4391

2000 Quinta do Pego

Bought in 2002 at the Calem lodge (who made and bottled this at the time). Attractive dark cherry and licorice nose. Very sweet (candied) red and black cherries on the palette, with quite a fiery finish. Lacks a bit of stuffing and not terribly complex but an enjoyable drink for sure and surprisingl...
by RonnieRoots
01:48 Tue 12 Dec 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What's the value?
Replies: 4
Views: 7822

Re: What's the value?

AHB wrote: 22:22 Sun 10 Dec 2017 what is the word under and to the right of "DE MOOR"?
"Amersfoort", by the looks of it. I don't think this particular merchant / bottler exists there anymore.
by RonnieRoots
01:44 Tue 12 Dec 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Purple Pages Query
Replies: 1
Views: 4415

Re: Purple Pages Query

Yes I am.
by RonnieRoots
20:31 Wed 15 Nov 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Coravin
Replies: 25
Views: 33096

Re: Coravin

So far, the cost has prevented me from buying a coravin, although I really do like the idea. I did however back the kickstarter campaign of this new device as I think it's quite a cool innovation. Will find out if and how well it works when I get mine in a couple months time.
by RonnieRoots
22:15 Thu 19 Oct 2017
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2015 Cockburn
Replies: 4
Views: 7483

Re: 2015 Cockburn

Ah ok, that makes sense.

Growing fond of 1975?? What has become of the world!? :wink:
Would 1967 also be a good comparison? An elegant Cockburn that I always liked a lot.
by RonnieRoots
22:54 Mon 16 Oct 2017
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2015 Cockburn
Replies: 4
Views: 7483

Re: 2015 Cockburn

AHB wrote: 08:39 Sun 15 Oct 2017 this will be a gentle and elegant style of port rather than a big and burly wine.
So in that sense very much a classic Cockburn VP?
by RonnieRoots
23:40 Sun 08 Oct 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What do you have most of?
Replies: 23
Views: 17629

Re: What do you have most of?

Interesting. I appear to have most of Niepoort 77, followed by Fonseca 03 and Dow 07.
by RonnieRoots
10:58 Fri 04 Aug 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Corked/Spoilt Ports - Name and Shame
Replies: 120
Views: 237699

Re: Corked/Spoilt Ports - Name and Shame

Quinta de Vesuvio 2000. Slightly corked, and still - quite noticeably - a beauty underneath. What a pity...
by RonnieRoots
01:47 Fri 02 Jun 2017
Forum: Reviews
Topic: Thu 18 May 2017 - UK Launch of the SFE 2015 vintage ports
Replies: 4
Views: 9135

Re: Thu 18 May 2017 - UK Launch of the SFE 2015 vintage ports

Sounds like 2015-16 will be a perfect debate subject for years to come. That's good, it's been too long... ;-)
by RonnieRoots
08:18 Tue 30 May 2017
Forum: Reviews
Topic: Thu 18 May 2017 - UK Launch of the SFE 2015 vintage ports
Replies: 4
Views: 9135

Re: Thu 18 May 2017 - UK Launch of the SFE 2015 vintage ports

Great notes, thanks for posting. Given your enthusiasm, do you think the shippers are selling themselves short by not declaring fully?
by RonnieRoots
02:47 Tue 30 May 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Best fortified wines?
Replies: 12
Views: 11604

Re: Best fortified wines?

Has anyone tried Banyuls? I visited Collioure, France on a cruise over the last couple of weeks and walked by a producer's shop. I wanted to go inside, but the place was very crowded and we didn't have time to wait around. Coincidentally, after we returned from our trip a friend posted a picture on...
by RonnieRoots
23:14 Sat 01 Apr 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What have you got open this weekend?
Replies: 74
Views: 55049

Re: What have you got open this weekend?

1991 Vargellas. It's lovely.
by RonnieRoots
21:56 Thu 30 Mar 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for sale by retailer
Replies: 1595
Views: 995256

Re: Port for sale by retailer

From a mailing by a 'fine wine specialist' in my inbox this morning: Kopke One of the greatest producers of port since the 17th century. With their wide range of vinyards throughout the Douro, Kopke is one of the largest suppliers of Port wines in the world! Niepoort Niepoort has been founded by a D...
by RonnieRoots
03:05 Tue 28 Mar 2017
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: Portuguese cheese
Replies: 5
Views: 17730

Re: Portuguese cheese

Another wonderful cheese is azeitao. Ewe's milk as well, maybe even softer, and slightly more delicate tasting.
by RonnieRoots
02:49 Tue 28 Mar 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Best fortified wines?
Replies: 12
Views: 11604

Re: Best fortified wines?

Interesting question. There are quite a lot of contenders, but I guess my current preferences would be:

1. Port
2. Sherry
3. Moscatel de Setúbal
by RonnieRoots
02:45 Fri 23 Dec 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for laying down - 2010, 2013
Replies: 5
Views: 10709

Re: Port for laying down - 2010, 2013

I have tasted the 2013 Vesuvio and can confirm that it's utterly lovely. It will no doubt be a fine drink in due time.
by RonnieRoots
00:44 Fri 16 Dec 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Book or Bottle Holiday Present Suggestion
Replies: 6
Views: 5974

Re: Book or Bottle Holiday Present Suggestion

"Port & the Douro" by Richard Mayson is probably the most recent and certainly one of the most enjoyable and informative books, so a hearty recommendation there. As far as bottles go: it's difficult to give a recommendation if you aren't sure about the style your father likes. But if y...
by RonnieRoots
20:22 Thu 17 Nov 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: LBV with different bottling years: which is "better"?
Replies: 4
Views: 5636

Re: LBV with different bottling years: which is "better"?

It's not the first time Niepoort has done this, I think it was 2005 that had different bottling dates as well. Probably something to do with demand and limited capacity of the bottling line.
by RonnieRoots
01:36 Mon 17 Oct 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 1994; Where's the value?
Replies: 25
Views: 17398

Re: 1994; Where's the value?

As your question is about ports for long term cellaring, I wouldn't recommend Martinez. Although it is a lovely port (I was lucky enough to buy a case cheap and drank quite a few over the years), I don't think it has the structure to make really old bones. It's more one to drink now and in the comi...
by RonnieRoots
22:24 Thu 13 Oct 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 1994; Where's the value?
Replies: 25
Views: 17398

Re: 1994; Where's the value?

Another vote for Dow and Warre - they are both very fine. As your question is about ports for long term cellaring, I wouldn't recommend Martinez. Although it is a lovely port (I was lucky enough to buy a case cheap and drank quite a few over the years), I don't think it has the structure to make rea...
by RonnieRoots
23:26 Thu 15 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Which LBVs are worth cellaring?
Replies: 98
Views: 49492

Re: Which LBVs are worth cellaring?

But Luis is one of the main reasons why LBV quality has gone up so much over the last few years The Sogrape brand LBVs are astonishing quality and value for money at the moment and are where I recommend starting a port collection to everyone and anyone - relatively cheap but with 2-3 decades of cel...
by RonnieRoots
23:24 Thu 15 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Which LBVs are worth cellaring?
Replies: 98
Views: 49492

Re: Which LBVs are worth cellaring?

The IVDP created the 'Bottle matured' category for bottle aged LBV in 2002 (I think) but aside from Warre, who's duel offering can easily confuse, there seem to be very few takers for this category, with most unfiltered LBVs being sold straight after bottling. I'm not sure even whether 'bottle matu...
by RonnieRoots
21:54 Wed 14 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Best bargain purchase at auction
Replies: 14
Views: 9502

Re: Best bargain purchase at auction

Monique wrote:10 bottles of 2000 Fonseca vintage port @ €175 (£148)
I asked twice if he was serious. Guess he thought it was the LBV...
Great find! :D
by RonnieRoots
21:50 Wed 14 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Which LBVs are worth cellaring?
Replies: 98
Views: 49492

Re: Which LBVs are worth cellaring?

I came across a modestly priced offering of the unfortunately named Q. Revolta LBV recently - the blurb didn't say if it was filtered or not, and the image wasn't clear enough to read the small print on the label, but the bottle appeared to have a driven cork. Have only previously come across this ...
by RonnieRoots
21:23 Mon 05 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: O-PORT-UNIDADE Project finished
Replies: 18
Views: 9473

Re: O-PORT-UNIDADE Project finished

Great result, congratulations. And a very enjoyable port too :)
by RonnieRoots
00:19 Sun 04 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1989 Barao de Vilar White Colheita (bottled 2015)
Replies: 5
Views: 6206

Re: 1989 Barão de Vilar white colheita

Served blind this was guessed to be the Casa do Douro 1963 white colheita. 88/100. Are you sure it isn't just that? I've been into aged white Ports long before they were the "in" thing they are now. During those years I would always ask producers what old white Ports they had. The answer ...
by RonnieRoots
00:16 Sun 04 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Another question about buying port in the U.K.
Replies: 9
Views: 6012

Re: Another question about buying port in the U.K.

I've always found that a major advantage of keeping Duty separate from the price, is that it's immediately clear how much you pay on duty. There is duty on alcohol in the Netherlands too, but it is usually paid by the importers who then integrate it in their wholesale price to retailers. They apply...
by RonnieRoots
01:45 Fri 02 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1989 Barao de Vilar White Colheita (bottled 2015)
Replies: 5
Views: 6206

Re: 1989 Barão de Vilar white colheita

AHB wrote:Served blind this was guessed to be the Casa do Douro 1963 white colheita. 88/100.
Are you sure it isn't just that?
by RonnieRoots
01:39 Fri 02 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Another question about buying port in the U.K.
Replies: 9
Views: 6012

Re: Another question about buying port in the U.K.

I've always found that a major advantage of keeping Duty separate from the price, is that it's immediately clear how much you pay on duty. There is duty on alcohol in the Netherlands too, but it is usually paid by the importers who then integrate it in their wholesale price to retailers. They apply ...
by RonnieRoots
22:21 Sun 29 May 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Youngest never-tasted vintage?
Replies: 29
Views: 11111

Re: Youngest never-tasted vintage?

Just as Glenn, 1945. So if anyone comes over to visit, please bring a 1945.
by RonnieRoots
23:25 Tue 10 May 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Which LBVs are worth cellaring?
Replies: 98
Views: 49492

Re: Which LBVs are worth cellaring?

I would agree that 20 years seems to be the sweet spot for good unfiltered LBVs. I have a number of Niepoort LBVs from the 1990s that are just lovely to drink now, as well as Smith Woodhouse 1995, which is still beautiful. The LBVs from the early 2000s that I own (Warre, Niepoort and Javali amongst ...
by RonnieRoots
04:20 Tue 03 May 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for sale by retailer
Replies: 1595
Views: 995256

Re: Port for sale by retailer

Andy Velebil wrote: And one pale looking 1977 Dow's VP, LOL!
My thoughts exactly! That's the most horrible colour I've ever seen on a 77 Dow...
by RonnieRoots
03:50 Wed 09 Mar 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Pick a year
Replies: 29
Views: 22680

Re: Pick a year

Was this the very first TPF post? Oh how young we all were... :wink:

I'm happy to say that I drank many more ports from these vintages in the meantime, but my choice would remain the same.
by RonnieRoots
22:24 Tue 16 Feb 2016
Forum: Selling Port
Topic: Port for sale
Replies: 3
Views: 4582

Re: Port for sale

All these bottles are worth a 3 digits number at any specialty stores. ( speaking euros ) In Portugal maybe, but certainly not in the rest of the world, with the possible exception of Fonseca 1994. I suspect you won't find many takers for your port on this forum, if you're keen on selling I suggest...
by RonnieRoots
09:21 Wed 20 Jan 2016
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 19th May 2016, 66@50
Replies: 66
Views: 45308

Re: Thursday 19th May 2016, 66@50

No doubt this will be a great tasting with many a lovely wine. Sorry to miss this... :(
by RonnieRoots
07:05 Thu 03 Dec 2015
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Richard Mayson's Top 20 Ports for Christmas
Replies: 7
Views: 5120

Re: Richard Mayson's Top 20 Ports for Christmas

In general I've been less than impressed by Decanter's scores of late. Usually when New Zealand wines get discussed scores of 95 and 96 are thrown around as if it's nothing. I usually deduct around 5 points to get to a score I think is fair.
by RonnieRoots
10:06 Thu 29 Oct 2015
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1997 Warre
Replies: 3
Views: 2759

Re: 1997 Warre

I haven't had this port recently but did drink it a number of times when it was younger. It always struck me it had an apparent heat that made me wonder (and doubt) how it would evolve with time. Did you get any of this?
by RonnieRoots
09:59 Thu 29 Oct 2015
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Ferreira and Casa Ferreirinha notes from recent tasting
Replies: 5
Views: 4061

Re: Ferreira and Casa Ferreirinha notes from recent tasting

Great notes, thanks Andy. Thanks. Not often around my parts does one get to taste such a wide array from this producer so it was really fun and educational at the same time. While I knew they were making Barca Velha since the 50's, I had no idea they had also been making the white and Vinha Grande ...