ThePortForum.com

Now I'm having visions of a cross between The Great Escape, and Wind in the Willows (where Ratty forages for food and beer (port in this case, clearly) in Mole's home).

Thanks. Encouraging - looks similar to ones I bought recently (I'm not at home so can't immediately check). I wonder: does buying from Tesco Wine Direct improve the odds of getting better bottles?

What label and cork did this example have - seems one of the better ones?

Really very good. The sort of thing I imagine I could make, but when I try I fail by some margin. I have some lovely cherry which my local tree surgeon dropped off for me to saw/chop up for our fire, and it seems almost criminal to burn it. I'll keep some chain saw chippings for hot smoking - duck b...

Why are you posting photographs of boxes, and not photographs of bottles? Though I agree with your sentiment, it might be that the boxes, presumably of the 2007s , are unopened. In which case it is better that they stay unopened. Yes, you're right, the closed boxes should remain closed. I was drawi...

6 Graham's Crusted 1998 from Sainsbury's, currently 25% off when buying 6 assorted bottles.

Have you read the forum note on private sales? Why are you posting photographs of boxes, and not photographs of bottles? There are many here (not me, I'm a novice) who can determine a great deal from decent photographs, and have great experience purchasing port from all manner of sources. You're mor...

I hope ageing potential isn't compromised in the goal of producing port that drinks moderately well young.

Sorry to be somewhat negative about your asking price, but a quick look at winesearcher shows these wines available at retail for considerably lower than this. Normally private sale prices asked are of course considerably less than retail, due to the risks involved. There appears to be a lack of int...

Thanks for the heads up, I was hoping to go to this event. I now have secured a ticket (thanks Harry at BBR, very helpful), and look forward to seeing you there.

Rum. Nautical. Captain Jack Sparrow?

I like the sound of either. Certainly like to come. I'm more likely to have ports to fit from 80s than 70s, of which I am sadly light. Perhaps if the 70s goes ahead I could adopt?

An excellent night. Really enjoyed it. My first, but hopefully not my last. Thanks to all.

You could weigh them to gain some volume information. Would have to guess the weight of the glass, but might give you some idea.

Both decanted last night. Fonseca cork disintegrated. Full of very fine grained sediment. Displaying the characteristics of a petulant youngster. Taylor cork extracted intact, sediment large. Well behaved. Both smelt OK, sip of dregs indicated the longer decant a probably will be a good idea.

Night before certainly works for me also.

Great. I'll bring Fonseca and Taylor. I'll get them out of storage.

First off line- any tips on preferred decanting times/procedures, and when to bring bottles etc.? Thanks.

Ah. Yes. I have, haven't I. Impetuosity got the better of me, but I still think it wasn't a ridiculous buy. I noticed in the '83 tasting write up back in November that it held its own against the likes of Dow, Fonseca and Taylor which currently cost similar or more retail. To be honest, I think the ...

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I would buy some more. It isn't a fantastic port, but has been well stored (I think) and given that is a sensible enough price. I could spend more on something that should be better but has been poorly stored, and end up with worse. I don't have many ports from 80s, so getting a couple seems sensibl...

Time to give a tasting note a go! Decant: 5 Hrs. Deep slightly faded red. Bit closed on the nose. Strawberries and blackberries. A little black pepper. Tastes of cherries and blackberries. Good acidity. Substantial. A hint of something woody - almost the taste of old faded spice! Black pepper and re...

Fantastic. Thanks

I hesitate to confuse things further! I wonder if I could put myself down as a reserve, or even attendee if currently room, at what would be my first offline (although perhaps depends a little on which date gets chosen). Still, toe in the water etc. ...... I have a few 97s to offer - Dow here, and h...

Ah, yes, rt(f)m! Thank you. Note to self: 'must dig around site a bit more'. Sounds good. Really good. Very practical.

I'd love to come along to tastings. How do they work? I'm conscious that you taste some fantastic wines at times, and I only have rather newer ports to offer in the "bring a bottle" stakes. Regretfully, squirrelling port away over the last 30/40 years wasn't a high priority at the time :( Happy to c...