Tue 25 June 2019 - 2017 Vintage Ports

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 16:37 Sun 24 Mar 2019

UPDATE 25 April 2019
A date has been set, we will convene on 25th June 2019 to taste, discuss and debate as many 2017 Vintage Ports as producers are willing to provide. If you would like to attend, please let me know. Attendance requires you to post some tasting notes and thoughts on each of the wines you taste. The only reason producers are willing to provide us with tasting samples is to enable us to share our thoughts and impressions with the wine consumers who will be buying these wines.

Attending:

AHB
TC
MPM
CPR
DRL
JDAW
Rich_n
WS1
DG
IDJ
Nick A

Draft of the sticky labels and TN pages, entailing some additions to the list of Port House abbreviations.

ORIGINAL POST
People,

Last year we had the opportunity to taste a number of 2016 Vintage Ports. At the time we discussed that it would be rather nice if we arranged a similar but larger opportunity to taste a range of 2017 Vintage Ports in the second half of this year.

I'm happy to (help Tony) organise this, but would like some thoughts from the team on preferred dates. From the list I put out to help DRT arrange the 1966 horizontal it looks like the potential dates are:
w/c 15 Jul
w/c 22 Jul
w/c 29 Jul
w/c 9 Sep
w/c 7 Oct (but DRT not available on the Tuesday)
w/c 14 Oct (PW not available on the Tuesday)
w/c 11 Nov

Initial offerings from the bigger houses tend to be issued for orders to be placed before the end of July but the smaller houses and independents tend to be focused slightly later in the year. On balance, and to get as large a selection of final blends as we can, I would prefer w/c 9 Sep.

Any thoughts on
(a) do we do this — is there enough interest from the team?
(b) if we do it, does w/c 9 Sep work for those interested?

Thanks all.

forest26 · Post by **forest26** » 17:07 Sun 24 Mar 2019

I was thinking about this very topic over the weekend.

We should do this! I am happy to organise (with help).

Last year was a little last minute / ad-hoc. With a little more foresight we can have a greater range of shippers.

w/c 9 September works best on lots of levels.

Post by **PhilW** » 17:27 Sun 24 Mar 2019

AHB wrote: On balance, and to get as large a selection of final blends as we can, I would prefer w/c 9 Sep.

Any thoughts on
(a) do we do this — is there enough interest from the team?
(b) if we do it, does w/c 9 Sep work for those interested?

I think you may have forgotten that DRT has fixed the '66s for Sep 10.

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 17:33 Sun 24 Mar 2019

Wonderful idea.
W/c 11 Nov would be my vote. Would give us plenty of time to source the bottles and have them delivered to the B&F.

Post by **flash_uk** » 18:54 Sun 24 Mar 2019

Great idea. Could do any of those weeks but not later in the week of 22 July.

DaveRL · Post by **DaveRL** » 20:34 Sun 24 Mar 2019

Good idea. I enjoyed the 2016. Most of those dates are OK for me.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 08:55 Tue 26 Mar 2019

PhilW wrote: ↑17:27 Sun 24 Mar 2019
AHB wrote: On balance, and to get as large a selection of final blends as we can, I would prefer w/c 9 Sep.

Any thoughts on
(a) do we do this — is there enough interest from the team?
(b) if we do it, does w/c 9 Sep work for those interested?
I think you may have forgotten that DRT has fixed the '66s for Sep 10.

Poo. I missed that one.

We could still go with the same week, and I like early September as it gives us the chance to invite a few people from the press who might want the chance to taste a wide range of 2017 Vintage Ports, although if Decanter do a tasting for an article, their tasting is likely to be in the summer.

Let me give it some thought...

Post by **DRT** » 00:28 Wed 27 Mar 2019

A reminder for the organisers - Spring means cask samples, Autumn means finished wines that have been released to retail. These have different acquisition and logistical challenges.

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 04:26 Fri 29 Mar 2019

14 October is Columbus Day in the US, which my company oddly grants as a holiday. I might possibly be able to attend on that day, then fly home on Tuesday and only miss 1 day of work.

I will keep an eye on this thread and start looking into flights if things work out.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 09:15 Fri 29 Mar 2019

Glenn E. wrote: ↑04:26 Fri 29 Mar 2019 14 October is Columbus Day in the US, which my company oddly grants as a holiday. I might possibly be able to attend on that day, then fly home on Tuesday and only miss 1 day of work.

I will keep an eye on this thread and start looking into flights if things work out.

That gives me a real conflict. Talking to a couple of wine writers who have articles regularly published in Decanter and World of Fine Wine, they said that if we arranged a tasting in late May to late June and they were able to attend, the timing would feed perfectly into an October published article dealing with the new Vintage of Port arriving on the UK market in the winter. They were very excited about the idea as they believe we would be much more likely to get a good range of Ports from the smaller producers than a Decanter tasting.

But having Glenn in the UK would be a very good reason to arrange a tasting in October... What to do, what to do?

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:27 Fri 29 Mar 2019

AHB wrote: ↑09:15 Fri 29 Mar 2019What to do, what to do?

Is “Both” ever the wrong answer?

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 02:48 Sat 30 Mar 2019

jdaw1 wrote:
AHB wrote: ↑09:15 Fri 29 Mar 2019What to do, what to do?
Is “Both” ever the wrong answer?

He's not wrong, you know.

forest26 · Post by **forest26** » 11:33 Tue 02 Apr 2019

I am away for most of May so cannot 'support' a May date - probably too early in the cycle to accumulate samples. June could work quite well... it would inform buying decisions / press etc. so the shippers will be more inclined to support.

Christopher · Post by **Christopher** » 15:25 Fri 05 Apr 2019

I agree June makes the most sense as like to use this to decide what I buy.

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 17:33 Fri 05 Apr 2019

I’d be happy with a June date but will go with the flow.

Post by **jdaw1** » 12:23 Sat 06 Apr 2019

There would be advantages in imposing a particular rule on attendees. Attendees must post tasting notes within a week of the tasting. those not willing to commit to doing that may not attend.

CPR 1 · Post by **CPR 1** » 13:01 Sun 07 Apr 2019

I like the June suggestion if this works, as like CMAG it would be good to try before I buy

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 17:40 Fri 12 Apr 2019

"A June date" is too nebulous to research flights. Please be more specific, quickly.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 07:52 Sat 13 Apr 2019

Glenn E. wrote: ↑17:40 Fri 12 Apr 2019 "A June date" is too nebulous to research flights. Please be more specific, quickly.

Tell me your preference and we’ll try to work around you.

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 00:49 Fri 19 Apr 2019

AHB wrote: ↑07:52 Sat 13 Apr 2019
Glenn E. wrote: ↑17:40 Fri 12 Apr 2019 "A June date" is too nebulous to research flights. Please be more specific, quickly.
Tell me your preference and we’ll try to work around you.

It doesn't look like June is feasible for me. Carry on. I'll hope that a 14 October version also comes into being soon enough for me to arrange tickets, which gives you a couple of months to plan.

forest26 · Post by **forest26** » 12:39 Mon 22 Apr 2019

Samples should be with me around first week of June. We have the 1994 mini on 11 June - can I suggest Tuesday 25th June?

Post by **flash_uk** » 14:48 Mon 22 Apr 2019

25th June works OK for me.

CPR 1 · Post by **CPR 1** » 07:22 Tue 23 Apr 2019

forest26 wrote:Samples should be with me around first week of June. We have the 1994 mini on 11 June - can I suggest Tuesday 25th June?

Sounds good to me

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 07:30 Thu 25 Apr 2019

I have updated the first post

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 07:44 Thu 25 Apr 2019

Could I please be added to the list for now. Will be able to confirm availability in the next month.

Alex M · Post by **Alex M** » 08:49 Thu 25 Apr 2019

AHB wrote: ↑16:37 Sun 24 Mar 2019 UPDATE 25 April 2019
A date has been set, we will convene on 24th April 2019 to taste, discuss and debate as many 2017 Vintage Ports as producers are willing to provide.

Is that date correct?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 08:51 Thu 25 Apr 2019

Alex M wrote: ↑08:49 Thu 25 Apr 2019
AHB wrote: ↑16:37 Sun 24 Mar 2019 UPDATE 25 April 2019
A date has been set, we will convene on 24th April 2019 to taste, discuss and debate as many 2017 Vintage Ports as producers are willing to provide.
Is that date correct?

No, it's not. Thank you.

DaveRL · Post by **DaveRL** » 16:09 Thu 25 Apr 2019

Yes please, able to do 25 June, and yes I will post tasting notes.

Post by **jdaw1** » 19:20 Thu 25 Apr 2019

25th June: yes please.

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 10:38 Tue 28 May 2019

I have just been speaking to Dia at VWP and she mentioned this - I'm very keen to attend if possible! I will be up in London for work so will definitely make that evening available to join if I may.

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 10:58 Tue 28 May 2019

If there is still space i would like to attend!

regards

WS1

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 11:37 Tue 28 May 2019

WS1 wrote: ↑10:58 Tue 28 May 2019 If there is still space i would like to attend!

regards

WS1

rich_n wrote: ↑10:38 Tue 28 May 2019 I have just been speaking to Dia at VWP and she mentioned this - I'm very keen to attend if possible! I will be up in London for work so will definitely make that evening available to join if I may.

Plenty of space; you're both welcome to attend.

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 11:50 Tue 28 May 2019

AHB wrote: ↑11:37 Tue 28 May 2019 Plenty of space; you're both welcome to attend.

Excellent news, thank you! Very much looking forward to it.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 14:18 Tue 28 May 2019

rich_n wrote: ↑11:50 Tue 28 May 2019
AHB wrote: ↑11:37 Tue 28 May 2019 Plenty of space; you're both welcome to attend.
Excellent news, thank you! Very much looking forward to it.

Rich - remind one of us to talk to you about Skeffington in your quest for "bargain" Vintage Ports. And about Tesco / M&S / Sainsbury own label Vintage Ports. And about proper LBV Ports. All of these offer exceptional value for money for a tiny (perhaps indeterminable) reduction in quality.

See you in June.

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 16:36 Tue 28 May 2019

AHB wrote: ↑14:18 Tue 28 May 2019
rich_n wrote: ↑11:50 Tue 28 May 2019
AHB wrote: ↑11:37 Tue 28 May 2019 Plenty of space; you're both welcome to attend.
Excellent news, thank you! Very much looking forward to it.
Rich - remind one of us to talk to you about Skeffington in your quest for "bargain" Vintage Ports. And about Tesco / M&S / Sainsbury own label Vintage Ports. And about proper LBV Ports. All of these offer exceptional value for money for a tiny (perhaps indeterminable) reduction in quality.

See you in June.

Skeffington is definitely on the potential list along with Quevedo and Burmester, and I'd definitely be interested in hearing your views on the OL ports. I do love a good LBV, I've found several to be excellent "gap filling" ports including a couple of the 2011 unfiltered LBV ports (I still have a couple of the Croft waiting to be opened maybe next winter). Always happy to learn more!

Constandia · Post by **Constandia** » 17:26 Tue 28 May 2019

Yes please! Would love to try as many 2017s as possible. I promise to post my notes! Thank you

Constandia · Post by **Constandia** » 17:28 Tue 28 May 2019

rich_n wrote: ↑10:38 Tue 28 May 2019 I have just been speaking to Dia at VWP and she mentioned this - I'm very keen to attend if possible! I will be up in London for work so will definitely make that evening available to join if I may.
[/quote

Rich, glad you can make it. It will be great to see you there. Cheers, Dia

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 17:34 Tue 28 May 2019

How strange-I did post my availability for this tasting (and promised to post tasting notes) but I am either going blind or that post has vanished from this thread?! Can I be opted back in please?

DaveRL · Post by **DaveRL** » 20:51 Tue 28 May 2019

You're not going blind, nor losing your mind.

There was an earlier 2017 thread with an April date and you posted towards the end of it, perhaps after the new thread had been started?

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 21:30 Tue 28 May 2019

DaveRL wrote: ↑20:51 Tue 28 May 2019 You're not going blind, nor losing your mind. There was an earlier 2017 thread with an April date and you posted towards the end of it, perhaps after the new thread had been started?

Dave, you're right, I am not going mad (at least not yet anyway) I now see it in the discontinued thread -hurrah!

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 08:36 Wed 29 May 2019

Constandia wrote: ↑17:28 Tue 28 May 2019
rich_n wrote: ↑10:38 Tue 28 May 2019 I have just been speaking to Dia at VWP and she mentioned this - I'm very keen to attend if possible! I will be up in London for work so will definitely make that evening available to join if I may.
Rich, glad you can make it. It will be great to see you there. Cheers, Dia

Thanks for the heads up when we spoke! Looking forward to meeting you in person.

NickA · Post by **NickA** » 07:31 Mon 03 Jun 2019

Could I be added please? Certainly I've written many a note before now, and have just worked my way through 6 16s so lots of relevant practice

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 08:52 Mon 10 Jun 2019

I am both delighted and disappointed to have to withdraw from this one. The 2016 version of this was a wonderful tasting and I am gutted to no be able to compare with the 2017s, particularly with the back to back nature of the vintage declarations. But, I am delighted because we finally managed to exchange on our B&B purchase so I am completing this Thursday and welcome our first guests on Friday with all six rooms booked for 3 nights. In at the deep end, but just so glad to be swimming at all after the torturous process in getting to here. I hope it is a night of fine juice and look forward to reading the notes.

Post by **PhilW** » 08:56 Mon 10 Jun 2019

Doggett wrote: ↑08:52 Mon 10 Jun 2019 I am both delighted and disappointed to have to withdraw from this one. The 2016 version of this was a wonderful tasting and I am gutted to no be able to compare with the 2017s, particularly with the back to back nature of the vintage declarations. But, I am delighted because we finally managed to exchange on our B&B purchase so I am completing this Thursday and welcome our first guests on Friday with all six rooms booked for 3 nights. In at the deep end, but just so glad to be swimming at all after the torturous process in getting to here. I hope it is a night of fine juice and look forward to reading the notes.

Congrats in advance - I hope the completion and your first weekend of guests goes smoothly; do they know it's your opening night? (and what port will you be opening to celebrate?)

Post by **flash_uk** » 10:49 Mon 10 Jun 2019

Doggett wrote: ↑08:52 Mon 10 Jun 2019 I am both delighted and disappointed to have to withdraw from this one. The 2016 version of this was a wonderful tasting and I am gutted to no be able to compare with the 2017s, particularly with the back to back nature of the vintage declarations. But, I am delighted because we finally managed to exchange on our B&B purchase so I am completing this Thursday and welcome our first guests on Friday with all six rooms booked for 3 nights. In at the deep end, but just so glad to be swimming at all after the torturous process in getting to here. I hope it is a night of fine juice and look forward to reading the notes.

Great news on the B&B!

Best of luck with the maiden voyage

DaveRL · Post by **DaveRL** » 19:18 Mon 10 Jun 2019

Doggett wrote:I am both delighted and disappointed to have to withdraw from this one. The 2016 version of this was a wonderful tasting and I am gutted to no be able to compare with the 2017s, particularly with the back to back nature of the vintage declarations. But, I am delighted because we finally managed to exchange on our B&B purchase so I am completing this Thursday and welcome our first guests on Friday with all six rooms booked for 3 nights. In at the deep end, but just so glad to be swimming at all after the torturous process in getting to here. I hope it is a night of fine juice and look forward to reading the notes.

Fantastic. Really pleased for you. Time to open a little something to celebrate

.

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 08:15 Tue 11 Jun 2019

Thank you for your kind words... there will indeed be some celebrating but probably of the tawny variety due to transit and not a full celebration until I have worked out poached and scrambled eggs!

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 17:06 Wed 12 Jun 2019

Well done Simon-we will look forward to having an away tasting down in Dorset!

forest26 · Post by **forest26** » 06:26 Sat 15 Jun 2019

Well done Simon
Looking forward to a few Port evenings...

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 16:24 Tue 18 Jun 2019

Since this will be the first time I'll be joining this group for a tasting I was wondering how far in advance will we likely know which ports we will be able to taste? This won't affect my decision to join for the evening, I'm just curious!