Search found 203 matches

by TLW
09:33 Fri 14 May 2021
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2011 Horizontal - London, Sunday 23rd April 2051
Replies: 170
Views: 186898

Re: 2011 Horizontal - London, Sunday 23rd April 2051

Recon firming planned attendance
by TLW
13:04 Sat 04 Apr 2020
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Lockdown Drinking
Replies: 53
Views: 28443

Re: Lockdown Drinking

2000 Taylor, a very pleasant drink shared over the last couple of days with wife and daughter. I realize it is too young, but Armageddon rules apply.
by TLW
13:05 Wed 25 Mar 2020
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2246
Views: 1052258

Re: Latest buy

3 x Croft 2000 2 x Vesuvius 1991 ...and inspired by recent LBV conversation (and aware that this is an area where my cellar is under stocked), so made use of the 25% off at Waitrose Cellar to get 4 each of: - Graham’s LBV 2013 - Sandeman LBV 2015 - Warre’s LBV 2007 I have found the 2000 Croft to be...
by TLW
12:03 Thu 23 Jan 2020
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Tarriffs on shipping port to the US
Replies: 3
Views: 5362

Re: Tarriffs on shipping port to the US

My understanding on the 25% tariff was that for wines over 14% alcohol content, the tariff was unchanged.

It is all so very confusing.
by TLW
10:06 Thu 23 Jan 2020
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Tarriffs on shipping port to the US
Replies: 3
Views: 5362

Tarriffs on shipping port to the US

There is a great deal of noise about 100% tarriffs on European wine. Might anybody know what the current situation is, and/or how it might change? I have looked at a number of sites on the web, but I am more confused than enlightened. I would very much like to ship a large parcel in the Spring, but ...
by TLW
12:42 Sun 22 Dec 2019
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1991 Fonseca Guimaraens
Replies: 0
Views: 3348

1991 Fonseca Guimaraens

Decanted six hours. 75% opaque. Somewhat closed - dusty, perhaps, with hints of cherry on the nose. Full, rich, round, young, with flavour of plums or prunes. Very enjoyable, but at its best on the first day. Seems a very different wine than the one at the London horizontal earlier in the month, and...
by TLW
22:30 Mon 21 Oct 2019
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: The Five Word Novel
Replies: 198
Views: 141753

Re: The Five Word Novel

the DNA test was positive
by TLW
04:01 Sun 06 Oct 2019
Forum: Introductions
Topic: Hello from Iowa! New to port.
Replies: 6
Views: 17587

Re: Hello from Iowa! New to port.

Excellent beginning. It is nice to know that there is another good collection in the Midwest (much of mine is in Central Illinois, a bit of a hike from Des Moines). It is very easy - and pleasant - to get hooked on vintage port, and I wish you many an enjoyable occasion, which I hope will result in ...
by TLW
03:47 Sun 06 Oct 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Auction haul!
Replies: 6
Views: 7226

Re: Auction haul!

Excellent range of ports.
by TLW
05:24 Tue 06 Aug 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What was the last bottle of VP you opened, and when did you open it? (VP in the summer?)
Replies: 20
Views: 17226

Re: What was the last bottle of VP you opened, and when did you open it? (VP in the summer?)

A bottle of 1994 Graham in early July. Wonderful as always, and more whence that came.
by TLW
00:18 Thu 18 Jul 2019
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port in movies, dramas and tv series
Replies: 23
Views: 31602

Re: Port in movies, dramas and tv series

"The Abbey Grange". In the 1986 Granada television production, Sherlock Holmes notices that one of three glasses of port had much more sediment than the other two, leading him to believe that the story he had been told about the chain of events was untrue.
by TLW
08:35 Mon 25 Feb 2019
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1994 Graham
Replies: 0
Views: 2707

1994 Graham

Cork surprisingly crumbly. Decanted 8 hours. Opaque. Nose somewhat closed on first day. Spicy and rich, tasting of figs and chocolate. Long tannic finish. The second day was softer and rounder, making for a very pleasant drink. Many, many years still to go for this one.
by TLW
02:51 Sun 06 Jan 2019
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: A reason to get up early
Replies: 595
Views: 236047

Re: A reason to get up early

Got to see the partial solar eclipse this morning in Tokyo - about a third, it seemed. Was lucky enough to see the full eclipse several years ago, as well.
by TLW
05:56 Mon 31 Dec 2018
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: The Book, ‘Port Vintages’, is for sale
Replies: 93
Views: 74308

Re: The Book, ‘Port Vintages’, is for sale

The book arrived in Illinois on Christmas Eve, and looks excellent.
by TLW
14:51 Sun 09 Dec 2018
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: A reason to get up early
Replies: 595
Views: 236047

Re: A reason to get up early

The brightest comet of 2018 will be visible to the naked eye over the next week - unless there are clouds in the way.

https://earthsky.org/space/46p-wirtanen ... e-dec-2018
by TLW
10:42 Mon 03 Dec 2018
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1963 Fonseca
Replies: 2
Views: 3493

Re: 1963 Fonseca

Yes it was.
by TLW
16:44 Sat 01 Dec 2018
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1963 Fonseca
Replies: 2
Views: 3493

1963 Fonseca

One of the bottles from the Bonham's sale. It has not done well, and the lot of them probably need to be rewaxed. The first two from the case were excellent, and the second two were not. The bottle had seeped signficantly, being down to bottom shoulder, and the cork crumbled to bits; the corks seem ...
by TLW
21:39 Mon 03 Sep 2018
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: The Book, ‘Port Vintages’, is for sale
Replies: 93
Views: 74308

Re: The Book, ‘Port Vintages’, is for sale

Congratulations!

Order placed.
by TLW
04:46 Wed 11 Jul 2018
Forum: Travel
Topic: Staying at Quinta de la Rosa
Replies: 2
Views: 14229

Re: Staying at Quinta de la Rosa

Having stayed there last month, I can also say that the Quinta de la Rosa is a very pleasant place. We got the last room for the time that we were there, and it was quite comfortable. The restaurant is very good, breakfast was nice, and the staff were exceedingly friendly and helpful. Would be delig...
by TLW
15:17 Mon 25 Jun 2018
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2005 Quinta de la Rosa
Replies: 0
Views: 3499

2005 Quinta de la Rosa

At QdlR's restaurant. Not decanted, but straight from the freshly opened bottle - definitely needed a proper decant. Probably not fair given the circumstances, but nearly opaque, initially very alcoholic. Taste of prunes, not terribly well knit. My guess is that a proper decant with time in the deca...
by TLW
15:03 Mon 25 Jun 2018
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: I hate TAP
Replies: 3
Views: 15095

Re: I hate TAP

Me too I sit in Porto airport after my TAP 12:30 flight was cancelled, and after having waited two hours in line for a rescheduling. They offered me a 9:30 pm flight from Porto to Lisbon or a four hour bus ride to Lisbon airport. I was able to negotiate a spot on a 6:30 pm flight, which has been del...
by TLW
04:24 Sun 03 Jun 2018
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Germany, 12 points
Replies: 5
Views: 5945

Re: Germany, 12 points

Congratulations!!!
by TLW
05:35 Tue 15 May 2018
Forum: Travel
Topic: Recommendations for travel to the Douro in late June
Replies: 4
Views: 16861

Re: Recommendations for travel to the Douro in late June

Many thanks for the suggestion, and will do so.
by TLW
03:48 Sat 12 May 2018
Forum: Travel
Topic: Recommendations for travel to the Douro in late June
Replies: 4
Views: 16861

Re: Recommendations for travel to the Douro in late June

Thank you for the suggestion. Indeed, the first time in Oporto.

I have booked the Quinta de la Rosa for now, and am looking forward to a couple of days of drinking wine, and watching the world go by.
by TLW
08:19 Sun 29 Apr 2018
Forum: Travel
Topic: Recommendations for travel to the Douro in late June
Replies: 4
Views: 16861

Recommendations for travel to the Douro in late June

My wife and I are considering our first trip to the Douro in late June for two or three nights, and would be grateful for recommendations as to where to stay, where to eat (wife is a serious foodie), wines to drink, and things to see. Neither of us drive, so we rely on taxis and feet. I saw the sugg...
by TLW
13:49 Fri 09 Feb 2018
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1983 Warre
Replies: 1
Views: 2869

1983 Warre

Cork removed relatively cleanly, no seepage. About 70% opaque with a bit of bricking around the edges. Just after decanting, the nose is dusty and alcoholic, slightly sharp, with just a hint of fruit. Taste of prunes or plums on entry, not terribly powerful or spicy or complex, but pleasant, medium ...
by TLW
04:42 Fri 02 Feb 2018
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: A reason to get up early
Replies: 595
Views: 236047

Re: A reason to get up early

It was mercifully clear in Tokyo, and the moon was indeed a red/orange, although it appeared to have been an incomplete eclipse at the time I saw it. However, I did see the total solar eclipse over Tokyo several years ago. That was good, too.
by TLW
23:01 Mon 29 Jan 2018
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1997 Fonseca
Replies: 1
Views: 2424

1997 Fonseca

Eight hour decant, completely opaque. Nose mostly closed but a hint of prunes. Closed and very sweet for a Fonseca, almost treacle, again with prunes and figs, but without the spiciness I have come to expect from the house . After a couple of days, had opened up a bit, but was still not ready, and s...
by TLW
22:51 Mon 29 Jan 2018
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: A reason to get up early
Replies: 595
Views: 236047

Re: A reason to get up early

Wow. Hope the skies are clear for a super blue blood moon, tonight.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/super-blue ... ing-jan-31
by TLW
08:36 Mon 01 Jan 2018
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1985 Taylor
Replies: 0
Views: 1661

1985 Taylor

Five hour decant, still mostly opaque.

Nose of licorice and spice.

Initially a bit closed but opened up with notes of licorice and figs. Very rich and spicy with excellent length. Glad that I have a great deal more of this.
by TLW
13:22 Sun 26 Nov 2017
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1970 Graham
Replies: 0
Views: 2151

1970 Graham

Not sure if this was a relatively recent ex-cellars bottle or not. Slightly protruding cork which caused some - eventually unwarranted - concern. Opened with friends on a quiet Sunday evening, with figs and a good cheddar. Roughly 6 hour decant. Still fairly opaque, although a little bricking around...
by TLW
09:33 Mon 13 Nov 2017
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: A reason to get up early
Replies: 595
Views: 236047

Re: A reason to get up early

Should be an impressive sight.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41956191
by TLW
07:46 Sun 05 Nov 2017
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Warre
Replies: 0
Views: 2382

1977 Warre

Opened a bottle for friends' birthday. Decanted about five hours before drinking. Although pleasant enough, and the bottle did not outlast the evening, a bit thin. Nose of currant and alcohol. Initially, a bit sharp at entry with alcohol, not soft and well knitted. Not a long finish. Time in the gla...
by TLW
07:34 Sun 05 Nov 2017
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What do you have most of?
Replies: 23
Views: 17630

Re: What do you have most of?

Taylor 2009 Graham 1994 (there was a time when vast quantities were available for a remarkably low price) Fonseca 2009 Fonseca 2000 I kind of wish I had waited for the 2011 to come out, and bought more heavily then; then again, by the time the 2011 is mature, I will probably be well past ripe. Of wh...
by TLW
21:53 Sat 03 Sep 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Another question about buying port in the U.K.
Replies: 9
Views: 6013

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

It may also be worth considering buying port at auction, although I am uncertain as to the issue of duty to be paid in the Netherlands. Typically, wine at auctions carries a buyers premium including VAT of a little less than 20%, but the wines are duty paid. Often the prices are attractive, although...
by TLW
08:55 Fri 12 Aug 2016
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: A reason to get up early
Replies: 595
Views: 236047

Re: A reason to get up early

Hopefully will have a relatively clear night tonight in Tokyo for the Perseids. The cloud cover seems to be dispersing.
by TLW
03:29 Tue 02 Aug 2016
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: One quiz at a time
Replies: 9703
Views: 1998442

Re: One quiz at a time

1910
by TLW
21:52 Tue 05 Jul 2016
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1991 Fonseca Guimaraens
Replies: 0
Views: 6597

1991 Fonseca Guimaraens

Steadily working my way through a case of this, all of which have been very drinkable so far. No bad bottles. 12 hour decant. Slight hint of raspberry on the nose. Typical Fonseca spice, with a long finish. Whilst not an overpowering port, very drinkable, and I wished I had a couple more cases of bo...
by TLW
21:40 Tue 05 Jul 2016
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: Alcohol and health
Replies: 343
Views: 235234

Re: Alcohol and health

An outbreak of E. Coli affecting more than 100 UK people could be linked to eating contaminated mixed salad leaves, public health officials say. To date, 109 people are known to have caught the bug - 102 in England, six in Wales and one in Scotland. South-west England has been worst hit. E. coli O1...
by TLW
20:47 Thu 05 May 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port and literature
Replies: 263
Views: 141998

Re: Port and literature

In the Sherlock Holmes story, "The Gloria Scott", Sherlock Holmes says, "One evening, shortly after my arrival, we were sitting over a glass of port after dinner, when young Trevor began to talk about those habits of observation and inference which I had already formed into a system.....
by TLW
11:02 Sun 27 Mar 2016
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1970 Graham
Replies: 0
Views: 2165

1970 Graham

Oporto bottled. Drank this with a few friends in Tokyo after a wonderful dinner of roast lamb, potatoes and vegetables. Decanted about 10 hours before drinking. Still about 70% opaque, rich nose of currant. Full bodied, slightly peppery, great length, with still a fair amount of tannin. Absolutely m...
by TLW
02:34 Sat 30 Jan 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for sale at auction
Replies: 366
Views: 265422

Re: Port for sale at auction

Bonham's catalogue for this sale is now on their website. The big question is whether to buy more than one case. If I went for a 24 bottle lot, would anyone be interested in taking a bottle or two from me at, say, high estimate / 20 per bottle? Count me in for up to six bottles (fewer if they have ...
by TLW
05:54 Thu 14 Jan 2016
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: One quiz at a time
Replies: 9703
Views: 1998442

Re: One quiz at a time

Vesuvio 1991. Now coming into its 25th year
by TLW
23:33 Wed 13 Jan 2016
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: A reason to get up early
Replies: 595
Views: 236047

Re: A reason to get up early

Looks like a good reason to be up early - or late - over the weekend if the skies are clear. http://earthsky.org/space/comet-catalina-c2013-us10-november-december-january-2015-2016?utm_source=EarthSky+News&utm_campaign=b796b980fb-EarthSky_News&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c643945d79-b796b...
by TLW
21:49 Sat 02 Jan 2016
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for sale at auction
Replies: 366
Views: 265422

Re: Port for sale at auction

The ‘character slur’ tasting: of course we’re in. Alex: choose a date and start a thread . (But it could be more than a case sampling. A case, sure, but also some bottles from other bottlers.) Or if anyone would be interested in a case sampling @ £150 per person then this sale would also be an inte...
by TLW
21:28 Mon 07 Dec 2015
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: Irrelevant badinage and like nonsense
Replies: 17
Views: 24979

Re: Gould Campbell, RIP...?

No doubt Daniel will correct me if I am wrong. Why only if you're wrong? You make a very good point. I apologise for being so busy this week, and away from my computer for so much of the time, that I missed this extremely witty display of badinage. You are both wrong, about something or other. I am...
by TLW
20:31 Thu 01 Oct 2015
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Which is the best 1991?
Replies: 26
Views: 14864

Re: What is the best 1991?

Currently drinking a 1991 Warre, and whilst very drinkable, it is closer to "cellar defender" than treasure. Not complex, not terrible rich, little on the nose, and few flavours. It goes down easily enough, but would not fare well in broad tasting against great ports. Three more left here,...
by TLW
02:08 Tue 29 Sep 2015
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2246
Views: 1052258

Re: Latest buy

uncle tom wrote:Cockburn 1908 magnum..

Complete with original 1911 invoice and original bin label..
Should you find yourself lacking friends for any reason, do let me know, and I would be happy to discuss potential solutions with you over this recent acquisition.
by TLW
11:18 Sun 26 Jul 2015
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: Portugal and the credit crisis
Replies: 69
Views: 78247

Re: Portugal and the credit crisis

Aside: whilst Greece is in terrible difficulties, Portugal’s 10-year bond yields a mere 2.71%. Compare to the 2% Sept 2025 gilt which yields 2.30%.
Very interesting comparison. Is the UK nearly as risky as Portugal (aside from Portugal's ability to produce spectacular wines)?
by TLW
22:22 Tue 09 Jun 2015
Forum: Meaningless Drivel
Topic: One quiz at a time
Replies: 9703
Views: 1998442

Re: One quiz at a time

131?