ThePortForum.com

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑13:36 Sat 25 Jul 2020

idj123 wrote:GM06 now £16.80 (or at least it is at my local Sainsbury's).

Buy it all. How do they sell it so cheap? They certainly aren’t buying it that cheap.

They did the same with the 05 at another Sainsbury's and was a precursor to them clearing down their stock and effectively dumbing down the range of Port they hold.. Clearly I live in an area bereft of Port lovers! If it were practical I'd buy some up for you Andy (there were at least 10 bottles left) :

Still full price in my local Sainsbury’s unfortunately. It might also be one of those crazy store-specific clear outs when they try to flog off the “old” QdM that’s been on the shelves since Christmas to be replaced with some “new” bottles of the same vintage.

The case of Sainsbury's TTD 2000 I ordered for delivery to my cellar turned into 2 bottles of the 2000 and 1 bottle of the 2003. Back to buying it off the shelf...

Two orphan bottles of Niepoort Bioma 2011 from the Nicolas in the Rue Buci at 58 euros each. They seemed surprised to sell it, so they're probably had it a while, but the shop is air conditioned and dark so...

... I should add that that appeared to be the whole stock, and there's none on the corporate website, but it was clearly made available to franchisees back in the days so...

The Bioma 2011 is superb! I had one a couple of weeks ago. The 2011 vintage really was superb. I went a bit mad at release and I don’t regret having this in Magnums!

Corney & Barrow website currently has 1998 Fonseca Guimaraens for £25.72 per bottle retail. Potentially a good cellar defender.

https://www.corneyandbarrow.com/fonseca ... t06-1.html

UPDATE - actually 2004, not 1998.

Waitrose Crusted Port (Symingtons, bottled 2015) on offer. £15.99

Laithwaites have got stock of the Andresen 40 Year Old White again.

£50 each or £45 as part of a mixed case of 12.

I vaguely remember some conversation about this during one of the virtual tastings and Glenn E. was quite interested?

Quinta da Cavadinha 2005 currently on sale at Waitrose Cellar for £25.49 per bottle (reduced from £33.99).

You do a fine job Neil... of tempting one with your regular updates of availability and pricing for the great juice!

Doggett wrote: ↑13:06 Wed 14 Oct 2020 You do a fine job Neil... of tempting one with your regular updates of availability and pricing for the great juice!

One aims to please.

nac wrote: ↑09:57 Thu 08 Oct 2020 Laithwaites have got stock of the Andresen 40 Year Old White again.

£50 each or £45 as part of a mixed case of 12.

I vaguely remember some conversation about this during one of the virtual tastings and Glenn E. was quite interested?

Ooh yes, thank you! Now to figure out how much it will cost to get it to the US, and whether or not it's still worth it once shipping is included...

Have been approached by Miles Davis of WineOwners.com to see if I was interested in a bottle of the Taylor's Scion 1855.

I'm not, but someone here might be?

It's duty paid (so no extra VAT) and "from a good collector's home", purchased 2010.

The seller is apparently open to offers. If you're interested contact miles.davis@wineowners.com

Only other bottle currently for sale appears to be with Farr at £3k IB.

nac wrote: ↑17:33 Wed 21 Oct 2020 Have been approached by Miles Davis of WineOwners.com to see if I was interested in a bottle of the Taylor's Scion 1855.

I'm not, but someone here might be?

It's duty paid (so no extra VAT) and "from a good collector's home", purchased 2010.

The seller is apparently open to offers. If you're interested contact miles.davis@wineowners.com

Only other bottle currently for sale appears to be with Farr at £3k IB.

Not for me but 'Bitches Brew' is a seminal album

It is a very lovely port and I would love to get one, but out of my league I am afraid to say. If I could afford it, I think the money would be better spent on a few days at the Yeatman and then drinking a few glasses of Scion in Dick’s Bar instead (if they still offer it at €100 for 100ml). Thank you for conveying the opportunity though Neil.

Doggett wrote: ↑18:14 Wed 21 Oct 2020 (if they still offer it at €100 for 100ml)

w8 wat?

How did they ever offer it for €750 per bottle?

That was the price when I enjoyed a glass there in September 2015 on my honeymoon.

Glenn E. wrote: ↑20:19 Wed 21 Oct 2020

Doggett wrote: ↑18:14 Wed 21 Oct 2020 (if they still offer it at €100 for 100ml)

w8 wat?

How did they ever offer it for €750 per bottle?

I've had several glasses of it there. Don't know the exact measurement, but It was a good deal while it lasted.

My notes indicate that when I was at the Yeatman in 2011 the price for a 50ml pour of Scion was EUR 100. Last time I was at the hotel in 2017 it was no longer available by the glass.

And while we're on the topic, you can currently buy a glass of the AJ Symington 1882 tawny Port at the Graham's lodge — a 50ml pour is EUR 600.

AHB wrote: ↑09:39 Thu 22 Oct 2020 And while we're on the topic, you can currently buy a glass of the AJ Symington 1882 tawny Port at the Graham's lodge — a 50ml pour is EUR 600.

Bargain.

Slightly cheaper than this and the Scion, the online wine shop of The Yeatman has 1966 Delaforce for €114 per 75cl bottle.

AHB wrote: ↑09:39 Thu 22 Oct 2020 My notes indicate that when I was at the Yeatman in 2011 the price for a 50ml pour of Scion was EUR 100.

In 2015 it was still available in the Taylor's lodge next to the Yeatman, I *think* for the same price, possibly slightly more.

AHB wrote: ↑09:39 Thu 22 Oct 2020 And while we're on the topic, you can currently buy a glass of the AJ Symington 1882 tawny Port at the Graham's lodge — a 50ml pour is EUR 600.

aka the "Ne Oublie" presumably, unless a separate barrel sample?

Just been sent an offer by BIWine for 4.5l Jeroboams of Graham's 10/20/30/40 Tawny.

Pricing as follows:
10 Year Old - £145 in bond / £196 inc duty & VAT (30 available)
20 Year Old - £195 / £256 (20)
30 Year Old - £335 / £424 (15)
40 Year Old - £500 / £622 (12)

If anyone wants the full email, let me know & I'll forward it.

It would be quite fun to own one, and I wouldn't mind paying a modest premium for the privilege but with Tesco and Amazon both selling the 10 Year Old tawny at £15 a bottle, it is hard to be tempted... I haven't investigated the prices for the older Ports. Perhaps they are more reasonable?

JacobH wrote: ↑21:14 Sat 24 Oct 2020 I haven't investigated the prices for the older Ports. Perhaps they are more reasonable?

In the US, a 20 year old will be around $50 at retail. A 30 year old will be around $70 to $90. A 40 year old will be anywhere from $125 to $180 depending on brand. These are rough guides... I'm sure someone can find a lower price somewhere, but there are also higher prices for some brands.

A 4.5l bottle is half a case, so those in bond prices for the older Ports look pretty good. Not so much for the 10 or 20.

If I were in the UK, I would seriously consider getting a 4.5l of the 40. The only thing holding me back would be that I don't really think the Graham's 40 year old is all that great. Perhaps I am spoiled, but Graham's blended tawnies seem pretty entry-level to me.

You are right- having checked the English prices, the 40 year old is a touch over what six bottles would cost; the 30 year old is perhaps a bit cheaper than the cheapest case of six but the younger two have massive markups.

The Aldi Christmas range has hit the shelves. They are using the Fletchers Brand name this year rather than Maynards, but the 40YO tawny is available again under the new name at £34.99, a 2016 LBV at £9.49 a 20cl Reserve Ruby at £4.99 and online only you can get a 4.5l 10YO Tawny at £99.99! There are also some reasonable wines including Amarone in their Xmas catalogue.
Enjoy...

Doggett wrote: ↑11:37 Sun 01 Nov 2020 The Aldi Christmas range has hit the shelves. They are using the Fletchers Brand name this year rather than Maynards, but the 40YO tawny is available again under the new name at £34.99, a 2016 LBV at £9.49 a 20cl Reserve Ruby at £4.99 and online only you can get a 4.5l 10YO Tawny at £99.99! There are also some reasonable wines including Amarone in their Xmas catalogue.
Enjoy...

You beat me to it Simon! Managed to secure a couple of the 40yr yesterday.

idj123 wrote: ↑13:05 Sun 01 Nov 2020

Doggett wrote: ↑11:37 Sun 01 Nov 2020 The Aldi Christmas range has hit the shelves. They are using the Fletchers Brand name this year rather than Maynards, but the 40YO tawny is available again under the new name at £34.99, a 2016 LBV at £9.49 a 20cl Reserve Ruby at £4.99 and online only you can get a 4.5l 10YO Tawny at £99.99! There are also some reasonable wines including Amarone in their Xmas catalogue.
Enjoy...

You beat me to it Simon! Managed to secure a couple of the 40yr yesterday.

Interesting, I suspect it is from the same source - I wonder why they have dropped the Maynard's Brand?

it looks like it has been bottled by Barao de Vilar, which also bottle Maynards right?

also the LBV is already sold out online, it looks like. humm better get to a shop.

Thanks very much for this: I’ve just ordered a couple of bottles with a load of weird-but-cheap things to make up a case of six since the LBV sold-out. Sparkling Blue Moscato is not something I previously knew existed...

Sainsburys - Taylor's LBV 2015 - on sale for £10 down from £15.

i was picking up their last 3 bottles of 2000 TTD as they have moved onto the 2012 vintage.

Waitrose and Waitrose cellars have the 25% of 6 bottles of more. Not much on offer but Sandeman 2015 LBV under £13 (with offer) is a pretty good price.

Aldi - Fletchers Port, both 40 year tawny and LBV 2016 are back for online sales.

hadge wrote: ↑15:29 Wed 04 Nov 2020 Aldi - Fletchers Port, both 40 year tawny and LBV 2016 are back for online sales.

Thanks Harry - good spot. Missed out the other day.

nac wrote: ↑15:47 Wed 04 Nov 2020

hadge wrote: ↑15:29 Wed 04 Nov 2020 Aldi - Fletchers Port, both 40 year tawny and LBV 2016 are back for online sales.

Thanks Harry - good spot. Missed out the other day.

yeah i was the same, just thought that i would do a double check today.

Corney & Barrow sent me their full fine wine list today - extract below is everything from Portugal:

I am not sure anyone has ever linked to Good Housekeeping before as a reference for port buying...so here goes a first! I thought it was worth posting for the refreshingly honest/brutal scores for these ruby ports. The 55/100 on the 100 point scale for the Tesco special reserve made by the Symingtons must only indicate that it is wet, alcoholic, red and called port!

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/win ... ruby-port/

There's a shorter list of LBVs too: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/foo ... /lbv-port/.

I think it's interesting that they are clearly unfazed by label (notice how badly some Crusted Ports and unfiltered LBVs did) but I do wonder if they preferred the sweeter and fruitier Ports to the drier ones?

I'd be very interested to see how they're using the 100-point scale, and what if any controls were used regarding its application. I.e. that 55-point score does not match the written description.

Note: most 100-point scales are - even technically - just 50-point scales. For the ones that I've seen used for professional judging, it isn't possible to score lower than 50. I.e. a glass of mud would score 50 points. So a score of 55 should be entirely undrinkable. "This tangy red plum aroma is tart smelling with a ripe and juicy berry fruit flavour, a touch of bitterness and astringent tannins" does not sound undrinkable to me.

Ergo, they're not using the 100-point scale that wine drinkers are used to seeing.

I also find it funny that they scored Taylor's First Estate so low. When we did our multiple blind taste tests of Ruby Reserves across the US several years ago, First Estate won every tasting in which it was entered. IIRC that was 3 of 5 tastings, but one of the tastings that did not include First Estate was very small (I think only 4 bottles). At any rate, First Estate was the clear victor when the tastings were aggregated.

Even non-port-drinking friends are pointing out to me that Aldi are now doing a gallon of 10 year old tawny for £99... as previously noted above, I find. The news is here first.

Offer received yesterday from Fine & Rare (frw.co.uk) for 1994 Taylor and Fonseca. Apparently recently shipped from Oporto. Both are £570 per 6 in bond.

If you're a Wine Society member then you've probably already seen these, but if not their Christmas Fine Wine List has halves of Bomfim 2006 (£14.50), Malvedos 2010 & 2012 (£16.50), and bottles of Cavadinha 2001, 2005 & 2012 (all £29).

nac wrote: ↑10:03 Tue 10 Nov 2020 Offer received yesterday from Fine & Rare (frw.co.uk) for 1994 Taylor and Fonseca. Apparently recently shipped from Oporto. Both are £570 per 6 in bond.

I received the same offer, and if not for the fact that these are in the UK I'd have picked up a 6-pack of each. That's a good price for a couple of truly great Ports.

Another offer received from Fine & Rare today - QUINTA DO MOURÃO, SÃO LEONARDO, VERY OLD WHITE PORT, 90-YEAR-OLD - £925/bt in bond.

If anyone wants me to forward the offer email let me know.

---

nac wrote: ↑09:34 Thu 12 Nov 2020 Another offer received from Fine & Rare today - QUINTA DO MOURÃO, SÃO LEONARDO, VERY OLD WHITE PORT, 90-YEAR-OLD - £925/bt in bond.

If anyone wants me to forward the offer email let me know.

A stunning port that if you can afford it would be worth every drop. I was lucky enough to have a glass at the 2019 b.f.t. and it was absolutely sublime.

nac wrote: ↑09:34 Thu 12 Nov 2020 Another offer received from Fine & Rare today - QUINTA DO MOURÃO, SÃO LEONARDO, VERY OLD WHITE PORT, 90-YEAR-OLD - £925/bt in bond.

If anyone wants me to forward the offer email let me know.

Note that those are 500 ml bottles. As I recall, all of Mourao's white Ports only come in 500 ml.

That said, the Port is amazing and comes in a very fancy toasted cork box just like this one for the 50.

Glenn E. wrote: ↑18:29 Thu 12 Nov 2020

nac wrote: ↑09:34 Thu 12 Nov 2020 Another offer received from Fine & Rare today - QUINTA DO MOURÃO, SÃO LEONARDO, VERY OLD WHITE PORT, 90-YEAR-OLD - £925/bt in bond.

If anyone wants me to forward the offer email let me know.

Note that those are 500 ml bottles. As I recall, all of Mourao's white Ports only come in 500 ml.

You’re right, it is a 50cl - missed that earlier - and yes, similar box...

Waitrose Cellar currently knocking out Graham’s 2015 LBV for £8.99 per bottle. A good cellar defender methinks?

Vargellas 2005 at Waitrose cellar for £25.99. Lowest WS price is £29.17 IB.