ThePortForum.com

Anyone had a recent buy?

Doggett wrote: ↑07:27 Sat 15 May 2021 Anyone had a recent buy?

I got 2 x Churchill's 2011 and 2 x Noval 2007, both at auction.

I also found in my basement: 12 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1963, 42 x Casa do Douro Colheita Lágrima 1963, 54 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1964, and 6 x Casa do Douro Colheita Branco 1964.

Good find.

MigSU wrote: ↑07:58 Sat 15 May 2021I also found in my basement: 12 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1963, 42 x Casa do Douro Colheita Lágrima 1963, 54 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1964, and 6 x Casa do Douro Colheita Branco 1964.

How large is your basement that you can find 114 bottles of Port?

Doggett wrote: ↑07:27 Sat 15 May 2021 Anyone had a recent buy?

I bought a magnum of Quevedo 2018 from VWP. I really, really liked the fact that they sent it with a 9cl sample. Only problem is to work out when to open it!

JacobH wrote: ↑08:12 Sat 15 May 2021
How large is your basement that you can find 114 bottles of Port?

I had also previously found 70-something bottles of Quinta Val da Figueira 10yo

There's still one unopened cabinet, it has a bunch of individual cardboard boxes, with very old dates written on them, but I don't know what's inside. I'll investigate this weekend.

JacobH wrote: ↑08:12 Sat 15 May 2021I bought a magnum of Quevedo 2018 from VWP. I really, really liked the fact that they sent it with a 9cl sample. Only problem is to work out when to open it!

This is such a nice idea. I wish more producers did that.

MigSU wrote: ↑07:58 Sat 15 May 2021

2 x Noval 2007

Good find.

Good find indeed! This is the star from an otherwise skippable vintage, imho. Ymmv

MigSU wrote:

Doggett wrote: ↑07:27 Sat 15 May 2021 Anyone had a recent buy?

I got 2 x Churchill's 2011 and 2 x Noval 2007, both at auction.

I also found in my basement: 12 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1963, 42 x Casa do Douro Colheita Lágrima 1963, 54 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1964, and 6 x Casa do Douro Colheita Branco 1964.

Good find.

A seriously large amount of odd ports to find in a basement. Did you buy a new house in the Douro?

It’s been quite a long while since I’ve had those. IIRC, the 64 red was the better of the two reds and the lagrima was better than the other white. I think they were bottled around 2005-ish and only sold at the Casa do Douro in Regua (which was a beautiful building inside). Regardless, none of them were great back then and I doubt bottle age has helped. You’ve got a solid supply of house ports now, lol.

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑13:36 Sat 15 May 2021

MigSU wrote:

Doggett wrote: ↑07:27 Sat 15 May 2021 Anyone had a recent buy?

I got 2 x Churchill's 2011 and 2 x Noval 2007, both at auction.

I also found in my basement: 12 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1963, 42 x Casa do Douro Colheita Lágrima 1963, 54 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1964, and 6 x Casa do Douro Colheita Branco 1964.

Good find.

A seriously large amount of odd ports to find in a basement. Did you buy a new house in the Douro?

It’s been quite a long while since I’ve had those. IIRC, the 64 red was the better of the two reds and the lagrima was better than the other white. I think they were bottled around 2005-ish and only sold at the Casa do Douro in Regua (which was a beautiful building inside). Regardless, none of them were great back then and I doubt bottle age has helped. You’ve got a solid supply of house ports now, lol.

No, it's my old family home. I live here now, and have been finding some bits and bobs.

Like the Val de Figueira 10yo, I'm gonna try to sell most of them, keep a few of each, and use the proceeds to buy better wine

Like the Val de Figueira 10yo, I'm gonna try to sell most of them, keep a few of each, and use the proceeds to buy better wine

When were they bottled?

Recent auction winnings:

5 x 1985 Fonseca
1 x 1987 Taylor Vargellas
1 x 1991 Taylor Vargellas
1 x 1948 Graham
6 x 1996 Krohn Colheita
1 x 1945 Dow

Some I paid only a little under retail, others were great deals. The G48 was about 2/3 of retail and the D45 was about half. The Krohns were just under $30/bottle which I'll happily pay for a 20YO. So all-in-all very satisfying winnings.

Of note, I did not get a G45 that spiked from $765 to $1502 in the last 40 seconds. I was only willing to go to $950.

MigSU wrote:

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑13:36 Sat 15 May 2021

MigSU wrote:

Doggett wrote: ↑07:27 Sat 15 May 2021 Anyone had a recent buy?

I got 2 x Churchill's 2011 and 2 x Noval 2007, both at auction.

I also found in my basement: 12 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1963, 42 x Casa do Douro Colheita Lágrima 1963, 54 x Casa do Douro Colheita 1964, and 6 x Casa do Douro Colheita Branco 1964.

Good find.

A seriously large amount of odd ports to find in a basement. Did you buy a new house in the Douro?

It’s been quite a long while since I’ve had those. IIRC, the 64 red was the better of the two reds and the lagrima was better than the other white. I think they were bottled around 2005-ish and only sold at the Casa do Douro in Regua (which was a beautiful building inside). Regardless, none of them were great back then and I doubt bottle age has helped. You’ve got a solid supply of house ports now, lol.

No, it's my old family home. I live here now, and have been finding some bits and bobs.

Like the Val de Figueira 10yo, I'm gonna try to sell most of them, keep a few of each, and use the proceeds to buy better wine

Keep the 10 yr. it’s very good. Sell the rest.

uncle tom wrote: ↑18:06 Sat 15 May 2021

Like the Val de Figueira 10yo, I'm gonna try to sell most of them, keep a few of each, and use the proceeds to buy better wine

When were they bottled?

The Val da Figueira 10yo? Some in 2003, some in 2005, and som don't have a bottling date.

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑19:01 Sat 15 May 2021
Keep the 10 yr. it’s very good. Sell the rest.

I have around 60 bottles. I don't need that many.

I have around 60 bottles. I don't need that many.

PM me..

uncle tom wrote: ↑04:45 Sun 16 May 2021

I have around 60 bottles. I don't need that many.

PM me..

Done.

Doggett wrote: ↑07:27 Sat 15 May 2021 Anyone had a recent buy?

4 cs of FG18 and 2 cs of CrR18.

@ M.Charlton - cases of 6 or 12? Either is impressive, the latter more so.

6 bts Fonesca 1992
6 bts Niepoort Bioma 2015

Only cases of 6 I’m afraid, George.

A mere 3 dozen of port...

Visit to Raeburn Fine Wines in Edinburgh. They also was have a great selection of Port and are the agent for Niepoort in Scotland.

1 bottle Niepoort 83
1 bottle Noval 2000
Halves of
Niepoort 94,00, Passadouro 94 and Taylor Vargellas 98

winesecretary wrote: ↑19:55 Mon 17 May 2021 A mere 3 dozen of port...

Amateurs.

Christopher wrote: ↑20:50 Mon 17 May 2021 Visit to Raeburn Fine Wines in Edinburgh. the agent for Niepoort in Scotland.

1 bottle Niepoort 83 - brave soul


1 bottle Noval 2000 - well bought. I’ve long had an eye on 2000, but have had this least. If/when you open, please do share
Halves of
Niepoort 94,00, Passadouro 94 brave soul redux

I don’t know the details, but niepoort is sadly another casino I long ago disavowed. I’m amazed the agent didn’t caution you in particular about the 1994, as I thought it had been removed from the producers own website?!

https://www.niepoort-vinhos.com/en/ports/

Apologies if that’s incorrect, but I’ve had too many dodgy bottles to go back, especially without a very public mea culpa. Ymmv

Chris Doty wrote:

Christopher wrote: ↑20:50 Mon 17 May 2021 Visit to Raeburn Fine Wines in Edinburgh. the agent for Niepoort in Scotland.

1 bottle Niepoort 83 - brave soul


1 bottle Noval 2000 - well bought. I’ve long had an eye on 2000, but have had this least. If/when you open, please do share
Halves of
Niepoort 94,00, Passadouro 94 brave soul redux

I don’t know the details, but niepoort is sadly another casino I long ago disavowed. I’m amazed the agent didn’t caution you in particular about the 1994, as I thought it had been removed from the producers own website?!

https://www.niepoort-vinhos.com/en/ports/

Apologies if that’s incorrect, but I’ve had too many dodgy bottles to go back, especially without a very public mea culpa. Ymmv

Some fantastic Niepoort VP out there. Sadly between ~1985 and 1997 they are ruined by lots of VA. Wouldn’t buy any of them. 2000 onward have been great again.

Hi
Hence the purchase of one half bottle to see what it’s like -:)

Mr Doty
I have just tried said half of Niepoort 94, undrinkable with hints of paint stripper.

That's unsettling.

It's not just Niepoort wines, either, it's anything they bottled. E.g. Broadbent VP from '94 and '97 is also a pretty risky buy.

I'm very sensitive to VA but it normally doesn't offend me, however even I find the levels in these wines to be offensive.

I fear for my 91's and 97's. Fortunately it's only two of each.

Christopher wrote: ↑21:12 Tue 18 May 2021 Mr Doty
I have just tried said half of Niepoort 94, undrinkable with hints of paint stripper.

Conversation with retailer required.

4 x 1992 Taylor Fladgate halves
1 x 1994 Quinta do Vesuvio
4 x Quinta da Pacheca 20 yo Tawny
other odds and ends

While I am sorry that Christopher's experience was negative, 'Undrinkable, with hints of paint stripper' is an absolutely great title for a vinous autobiography.

flash_uk wrote: ↑22:41 Tue 18 May 2021

Christopher wrote: ↑21:12 Tue 18 May 2021 Mr Doty
I have just tried said half of Niepoort 94, undrinkable with hints of paint stripper.

Conversation with retailer required.

Experts in multiple countries have separately diagnosed me as insane, but I wouldn’t mind inviting niepoort and Raeburn to a group chat with Tpf to discuss.

This situation is not a good look.

I haven’t been to Edinburgh for a few years now, but I’ve done business with them at least back to 2009, iirc, and would love if possible to restore my good opinion of their outfit.

Just to be clear I am a big fan of Raeburn Fine Wines, I have been a customer for many years. I knew this Port did not have the best of reputations but I wanted to try it. Note as stated I only bought a half bottle for a reason.

Christopher wrote: ↑06:08 Wed 19 May 2021 Just to be clear I am a big fan of Raeburn Fine Wines, I have been a customer for many years. I knew this Port did not have the best of reputations but I wanted to try it. Note as stated I only bought a half bottle for a reason.

And just to be clear I have only had positive experiences, and they don’t know me from Adam.

But they were identified as exclusive Agent,

which places them above mere retailer of repute with respect to this very wine.

I would have expected it to be part of a tasting series either for their staff or clients to see what a flawed wine experience is like: must know the enemy! This is VA, not TCA, TwA, or cooked!

If they wanted to send back to Niepoort, that would be the other “obvious” option,

and this illustrates why a producer should own up to their mess - this wine shouldn’t be on any retailers shelf! It does the brand an injustice. But it ain’t my brand.

Appreciate your Sciencing for us brah, keep the name clean! I’m doing enough damage for the two of us +!

So far this year I have bought a 20cl bottle of Graham’s 1982 Single Harvest Tawny, a half bottle of Barros 1999 and a bottle of Paxton & Whitfield (from Quinta & Vineyard Bottlers) 2000.

Plus various tasting kits.

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑06:46 Wed 19 May 2021

Plus various tasting kits.

Thoughts on kit satisfaction/ qpr / comp to 375/750 ?

In general, I've been delighted with the tasting kits, particularly those coming from 67 Pall Mall or Vintage Wine & Port. The wines have been of excellent quality but the real value comes from the live tasting led by the wine-maker.

I hope these opportunities continue post-COVID.

I've also bought fairly little this year - 41 bottles in total - all LBV

Auction prices so far this year have been crazy - I'm not sure if this is the 'new normal' or a sign of inflation kicking off - a lot of commodity prices are running hot, so I'm wondering if we're seeing a flight to alternative investments..?

uncle tom wrote:I've also bought fairly little this year - 41 bottles in total - all LBV

Auction prices so far this year have been crazy - I'm not sure if this is the 'new normal' or a sign of inflation kicking off - a lot of commodity prices are running hot, so I'm wondering if we're seeing a flight to alternative investments..?

I suspect much of this is driven by the lack of opportunities to go to restaurants and bars. I am interested to see what happens when people go back to spending money on going out and eating/drinking in those spots.

rich_n wrote: ↑12:33 Wed 19 May 2021

uncle tom wrote:I've also bought fairly little this year - 41 bottles in total - all LBV

Auction prices so far this year have been crazy - I'm not sure if this is the 'new normal' or a sign of inflation kicking off - a lot of commodity prices are running hot, so I'm wondering if we're seeing a flight to alternative investments..?

I suspect much of this is driven by the lack of opportunities to go to restaurants and bars. I am interested to see what happens when people go back to spending money on going out and eating/drinking in those spots.

And just leaving their house (and therefore their computers and/or phones) more, be it for work or leisure. Less eyes on screens, less bids on lots!

4.5L (Jeroboam) of Graham's 20 Year Tawny.

I've been thinking of getting one for a long while to use at my new house warming party. Well, the now not so new house (moved in last year two days before lockdown started). Now that things are improving on the Covid front, I threw caution to the wind and got one. At some point this summer it will be opened at the, now very late, house warming gathering...when we're allowed more people to gather that is.

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑14:46 Wed 19 May 2021 4.5L (Jeroboam)

https://www.decanter.com/learn/wine-bot ... ar-440193/

Always the tricky one! Must confirm in units prior to paying!

My eyes this year have been on Balthazar

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeroboam

Some Greek lurker will soon unmask herself...

She will mention most of what I bought, but will refrain from mentioning...

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑14:46 Wed 19 May 2021 4.5L (Jeroboam) of Graham's 20 Year Tawny.

I've been thinking of getting one for a long while to use at my new house warming party. Well, the now not so new house (moved in last year two days before lockdown started). Now that things are improving on the Covid front, I threw caution to the wind and got one. At some point this summer it will be opened at the, now very late, house warming gathering...when we're allowed more people to gather that is.

This seems like a great idea for a party. I hope you have given consideration as to how to serve it? Hand-pouring from 4.5l after a few of them might be a bit tricky...

I presume a side-effect of pandemics is that a whole load of long straws through the neck like some Sumerian ale is off-the-cards?

There are objects , known as decanters...

Chris Doty wrote: ↑16:39 Wed 19 May 2021 There are objects , known as decanters...

There should be laws against the decanting of 4.5l bottles of tawny ports into anything less than a 4.5l decanter.

??? Brah. Party more. You have twenty guests:

With much fanfare you open your jeroboam !! Ta da, singing prayers to those that hear and see nothing.

You gently pour a glass or two for qc (do not serve a jero of corked 1977 to an audience of tpf and pretend it is sunshine!)

Then decant 20 pours worth - being tawny, no time is need, but splash for effect.

Serve with fanfare verve and gusto: top up the decanter from jero as needed

Get down and stay down

End of

The Boot & Flogger just pour straight from the jeroboam into the glass.

JacobH wrote: ↑16:42 Wed 19 May 2021There should be laws against the decanting of 4.5l bottles of tawny ports into anything less than a 4.5l decanter.

That mass of decanter would be difficult to control. The maximum practical size for a decanter is a tappit hen. Beyond that, split into multiple decanters.

Bro, where’s the schematic?!