Latest buy
- nac
- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
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Re: Latest buy
3 x 1999 Sandeman Vau magnums
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- Cheap Ruby
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Re: Latest buy
8 Fonseca 92 sold on behalf of Keble College by Hansons, at a surprisingly reasonable £200 + fees.
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- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
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- Joined: 14:35 Mon 13 May 2019
Re: Latest buy
Andy, that’s a fantastic price (fully paid up, probably less than release price, I think) for a great port, arguably one of the two stars of the vintage, and starting to drink beautifully now.
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- Cheap Ruby
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Re: Latest buy
Indeed, admit I was a little surprised at the lack of bids, 100 per 4 was below the reserve but there have been a few instances of this recently, Bacchus auction in June was very similar.winesecretary wrote: ↑12:21 Sun 08 Oct 2023 Andy, that’s a fantastic price (fully paid up, probably less than release price, I think) for a great port, arguably one of the two stars of the vintage, and starting to drink beautifully now.
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- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
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- Joined: 14:35 Mon 13 May 2019
Re: Latest buy
A case of Fonseca 1985 with excellent provenance at auction for fifty-four quid a bottle delivered. The best port of the 1980s for the price of an acceptable mature Cote Rotie from an unfashionable producer. Mad really.
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- Warre’s Traditional LBV
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Re: Latest buy
If I did my math right, that's approximately $65 US for a fantastic Port that has just finally come around. Excellent score!winesecretary wrote: ↑21:48 Sun 29 Oct 2023 A case of Fonseca 1985 with excellent provenance at auction for fifty-four quid a bottle delivered. The best port of the 1980s for the price of an acceptable mature Cote Rotie from an unfashionable producer. Mad really.
Re: Latest buy
Yeah that's an excellent price for a superb Port. Its only real rival from the 1980s in my opinion is 1987 Taylor Vargellas, and if you want to stretch a bit then maybe 1985 Graham. For an otherwise down decade for TFP, the 1985 Fonseca and the 1987 Vargellas are beautiful.
Glenn Elliott
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- Warre’s Traditional LBV
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Re: Latest buy
The 1980 Dow is very good as well.Glenn E. wrote: ↑20:00 Mon 30 Oct 2023 Yeah that's an excellent price for a superb Port. Its only real rival from the 1980s in my opinion is 1987 Taylor Vargellas, and if you want to stretch a bit then maybe 1985 Graham. For an otherwise down decade for TFP, the 1985 Fonseca and the 1987 Vargellas are beautiful.
Re: Latest buy
10-15 years ago I would have agreed with no reservations. But the last 2 bottles that I've had had faded dramatically (completely different sources) and were merely "really good Port" rather than the epic blockbuster it had been until recently. These latest ones were no better than, and possibly not as good as, 1985 Dow. So yeah it's very good, but at least for me it is no longer on the level of 1985 Fonseca or 1987 Vargellas or 1985 Graham.Mike J. W. wrote: ↑03:03 Tue 31 Oct 2023The 1980 Dow is very good as well.Glenn E. wrote: ↑20:00 Mon 30 Oct 2023 Yeah that's an excellent price for a superb Port. Its only real rival from the 1980s in my opinion is 1987 Taylor Vargellas, and if you want to stretch a bit then maybe 1985 Graham. For an otherwise down decade for TFP, the 1985 Fonseca and the 1987 Vargellas are beautiful.
Glenn Elliott
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- Warre’s Traditional LBV
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Re: Latest buy
I'll have to crack one open when I get mine out of storage in a few weeks and see how they are. The last one I had about a year ago was excellent.Glenn E. wrote: ↑17:09 Tue 31 Oct 202310-15 years ago I would have agreed with no reservations. But the last 2 bottles that I've had had faded dramatically (completely different sources) and were merely "really good Port" rather than the epic blockbuster it had been until recently. These latest ones were no better than, and possibly not as good as, 1985 Dow. So yeah it's very good, but at least for me it is no longer on the level of 1985 Fonseca or 1987 Vargellas or 1985 Graham.Mike J. W. wrote: ↑03:03 Tue 31 Oct 2023The 1980 Dow is very good as well.Glenn E. wrote: ↑20:00 Mon 30 Oct 2023 Yeah that's an excellent price for a superb Port. Its only real rival from the 1980s in my opinion is 1987 Taylor Vargellas, and if you want to stretch a bit then maybe 1985 Graham. For an otherwise down decade for TFP, the 1985 Fonseca and the 1987 Vargellas are beautiful.
- Alex Bridgeman
- Fonseca 1966
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- Joined: 12:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
Re: Latest buy
Mike, don’t get sucked in to Glenn’s plan. He’s just trying to get you to set up a “Best of the Eighties” tasting that he can come to.
Top Ports in 2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
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- Warre’s Traditional LBV
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Re: Latest buy
Lol. He's devious that way is he?Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑22:40 Wed 01 Nov 2023 Mike, don’t get sucked in to Glenn’s plan. He’s just trying to get you to set up a “Best of the Eighties” tasting that he can come to.

Re: Latest buy
I can neither confirm nor deny this accusation.Mike J. W. wrote: ↑00:29 Thu 02 Nov 2023Lol. He's devious that way is he?Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑22:40 Wed 01 Nov 2023 Mike, don’t get sucked in to Glenn’s plan. He’s just trying to get you to set up a “Best of the Eighties” tasting that he can come to.![]()

Glenn Elliott
Re: Latest buy
3 x Sandeman 20yo 50cl
Paid €18.50 for each. Crazy.
Paid €18.50 for each. Crazy.
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- Warre’s Traditional LBV
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Re: Latest buy
4 x Niepoort Bioma Vinha Velha Crusted (bottled 2014)
2 x Taylor's 2017
2 x Warre's 2017
2 x Taylor's 2017
2 x Warre's 2017
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- Cheap Ruby
- Posts: 24
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Re: Latest buy
Despite the time of year, there is still the odd auction bargain out there, owc of 6 Smith Woodhouse 2016 £100 ib 15% commission.
Re: Latest buy
1 x Calem 40 year old tawny at auction (will make a nice gift to give someone).
11 x Bomfim 2013 at Asda for £22 each (will make a nice mention in my will as I don’t think I’ll live long enough to drink it).
11 x Bomfim 2013 at Asda for £22 each (will make a nice mention in my will as I don’t think I’ll live long enough to drink it).
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- Cheap Ruby
- Posts: 24
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Re: Latest buy
Thanks for the tip, indulged in half a dozen myself. As for leaving it in your will, tish pish and nonsense, it will be practically at it's best in a year or two......Dig in!
- nac
- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
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Re: Latest buy
1 x Warre Cavadinha 1979
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- Cheap Ruby
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Re: Latest buy
Anyone else pick up a case of the 94 vesuvio from Strakers yesterday?
Also picked up a Grahams 40yr bottled 2007 from an auction in Carlisle yesterday £45

Also picked up a Grahams 40yr bottled 2007 from an auction in Carlisle yesterday £45
- mcoulson
- Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
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Re: Latest buy
Well I won't be buying any of this any day soon ... In a corner shop in funchal ....
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- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
- Posts: 2437
- Joined: 14:35 Mon 13 May 2019
Re: Latest buy
I know that shop well and will indeed be visiting it in three weeks. Lots of expensive wine in poor condition. But the occasional not unamusing little trouve nevertheless. They used to have a wonderful range of miniatures of old spirits, which I think the owner used to buy off the stewards of cruise ships. But I drank most of those!
- mcoulson
- Warre’s Otima 10 year old Tawny
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- Location: Hertfordshire
Re: Latest buy
What you should do is go herewinesecretary wrote: ↑18:57 Sat 30 Dec 2023 I know that shop well and will indeed be visiting it in three weeks. Lots of expensive wine in poor condition. But the occasional not unamusing little trouve nevertheless. They used to have a wonderful range of miniatures of old spirits, which I think the owner used to buy off the stewards of cruise ships. But I drank most of those!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pdqmF2pznfUeb9ri8
Much better selection and sensible prices including €23 for a Sandeman lbv ... Which I have now half despatched ...

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- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
- Posts: 2437
- Joined: 14:35 Mon 13 May 2019
Re: Latest buy
Thanks for the tip. I go to ALL of them. Every trip. You never know when you’re going to find a bottle of 1957 Bual in a backstreet supermarket for 80 euros…. It’s basically part of my annual exercise routine - a week of fifteen miles a day, if all is well carrying increasingly heavy loads in my rucksack as the day goes on. But I haven’t been since 2020 because Covid - I can’t wait to be back! Hope you’re having fun there!
Re: Latest buy
I had to do a little post-Christmas top up in the VWP sale, particularly in the Quevedo aisle:
- 2 x 2020 Quevedo VP
- 6 x 2021 Quevedo VP
- 3 x Quevedo Crusted (bottled 2020)
While I'm very much looking forward to the VPs, I'm particularly curious about the Quevedo Crusted, which I've not seen available on the shores before. A quick search of the tasting notes suggests that it hasn't been tried by those here either, but I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has tried it but hasn't uploaded notes.
<Edit> Apparently my search abilities failed me because @Alex Bridgeman has indeed uploaded a couple of tasting notes that suggest positive things about crusted Quevedo ports that were released last decade.
- 2 x 2020 Quevedo VP
- 6 x 2021 Quevedo VP
- 3 x Quevedo Crusted (bottled 2020)
While I'm very much looking forward to the VPs, I'm particularly curious about the Quevedo Crusted, which I've not seen available on the shores before. A quick search of the tasting notes suggests that it hasn't been tried by those here either, but I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has tried it but hasn't uploaded notes.
<Edit> Apparently my search abilities failed me because @Alex Bridgeman has indeed uploaded a couple of tasting notes that suggest positive things about crusted Quevedo ports that were released last decade.
Re: Latest buy
At auction, little money so was intrigued. Anyone know more about this?
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- Alex Bridgeman
- Fonseca 1966
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Re: Latest buy
I suspect that IVP tawny will be something quite delicious. Any clue as to a bottling date?
Top Ports in 2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
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- Quinta do Vesuvio 1994
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Re: Latest buy
Can you post a pic of the Selo?Justin K wrote:At auction, little money so was intrigued. Anyone know more about this?
Re: Latest buy
Any help and if so how do you crack the codes?
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- Quinta do Vesuvio 1994
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Re: Latest buy
It would have been bottled, or at least labeled, around the mid/late 1990’s.
The IVP became the IVDP in 2003.
The IVP became the IVDP in 2003.
Re: Latest buy
6 x Warre Cavadinha 2006, directly from SFE, at €16 a piece. These are probably drinking nicely right now, but will probably better in 5 or 10 years. I might wait - or not.
- Alex Bridgeman
- Fonseca 1966
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Re: Latest buy
That’s a fabulous price Miguel!
Top Ports in 2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
2025: Quevedo 1972 Colheita, b.2024. Just as good as Niepoort 1900!
Re: Latest buy
3 x Croft 2011
Re: Latest buy
Yes, I thought so too. I might open one this weekend, and decide on whether to buy some more.
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- Warre’s Traditional LBV
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Re: Latest buy
2 x 1967 Butler, Nephew & Co. VP
Re: Latest buy
I have no idea, I'm in Portugal. Alex might know.
Re: Latest buy
Yeesh.
- nac
- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
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Re: Latest buy
5 x BBR Own Selection (Warre) 1997 @ £33.50 each inc delivery.
- nac
- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
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Re: Latest buy
Plenty available, but at £35-£40 a bottle.
I got a few bottles of the 2005 from Waitrose in late 2020 for £25 each, which felt like pretty good value.
- gerwin.degraaf
- Taylor’s LBV
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Re: Latest buy
- 1937 Sousa Guedes Colheita (2x)
Re: Latest buy
6 x Fonseca 2011 from Nickolls & Perks, £324 delivered. Good deal if you ask me.
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- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
- Posts: 2437
- Joined: 14:35 Mon 13 May 2019
Re: Latest buy
3 bottles of the excellent 2016 Sao Leonardo VP in a tasty half price sale at Vintage Wine and Port.
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- Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952
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Re: Latest buy
Message from Justin K (currently unable to post on forum) that Sainsbury's have Malvedos (some 2012 and 2015) on sale at £21/bottle currently.
Re: Latest buy
Funnily enough, having been in Sainsbury’s this morning, I was going to post the same (although my Sainsbury’s has both the 2010 and 2012)
Re: Latest buy
Got 6 x 1992 Warre Otima Colheita, directly from SFE. Bottled in 2022.
Immediately opened one. This is a very good colheita. At €23 per bottle (50cL) it turned out to be a bit of a bargain.
Immediately opened one. This is a very good colheita. At €23 per bottle (50cL) it turned out to be a bit of a bargain.
- nac
- Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
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Re: Latest buy
A just delivered auction purchase (£24.50 all in)...
It's only a half, and level is just below the neck, but colour doesn't appear to be too bad.
From checking the Mutuals Public Register it appears that the Wine Society were at Holles Street between August 1929 and October 1940, so it's probably a 1930s bottling.
Anyone seen one before?
It's only a half, and level is just below the neck, but colour doesn't appear to be too bad.
From checking the Mutuals Public Register it appears that the Wine Society were at Holles Street between August 1929 and October 1940, so it's probably a 1930s bottling.
Anyone seen one before?