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Port and Madeira inquiry

Posted: 11:39 Wed 08 Nov 2017
by Paulbarrow1
My father recently passed away and whilst we were clearing out some of his things we came across some Port and Madeira that had been gifts to my father when he was in business. We are guessing that they are at least 30 years old. He retired 19 years ago so this would seem to be a reasonable guess as to their age. We were just going to throw them out, but a friend suggested they may have some value to collectors or enthusiasts. I have attached pictures. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Re: Port and Madeira inquiry

Posted: 16:44 Wed 08 Nov 2017
by Andy Velebil
None of these are expensive Ports or Madeira. All are basically "lower to middle tier" and current equivalents sell for around $15-30 (USD), which probably means they sell for less in the UK. I assume you're in the UK based on the plug in the pictures background, that is. If well stored they may still be enjoyable to drink, but don't expect them to be great. There is no collectors value to these. The only bottle worth selling is potentially the Cockburn's, but you won't get much for it so probably not worth the hassle of doing so.

Some comments about each;

1961 Cockburn's LBV is most likely unfiltered but odd as it's bottled 8 years later. That would be illegal under today's rules. But that was then and this is now, LOL. This has the best hopes of being decent still. It will throw a sediment so decant prior to drinking.

Blandy's is a modern bottle and label. I am quite certain this is far younger than 19 years old. I suspect he acquired after he retired. A basic Madeira made from Tinta Negra grapes (generally, used for the lowest quality Madeira's).

Dow's Vintage Character is basically akin to a modern LBV or upper end Ruby Reserve

1981 Taylor's LBV is filtered and the ones I've tried from this era have been well past their best and should have been drunk a long time ago.

King's College is a more basic wood aged Port. Probably aged around 7 years (the legal minimum for wood aged Ports)

Re: Port and Madeira inquiry

Posted: 19:10 Wed 08 Nov 2017
by DaveRL
They may be past their best but will still probably be quite pleasant. They may not be worth very much to sell, but a good option perhaps is to drink these with family and friends in memory of your father.

Re: Port and Madeira inquiry

Posted: 22:42 Wed 08 Nov 2017
by DRT
Hi Paul,

I am quite interested in the Cockburn 1961 LBV and the King's College bottles. Could you please let me know roughly where you are in the world and if possible post a picture of the capsules on the top of the bottles so that I can see their condition? Also, if you hold them up to a light can you see the level of the wine in the bottles? Is it in the neck (like a normal bottle of wine) or are they in the shoulder (like the picture of the Blandy's Madeira)?

Derek

Re: Port and Madeira inquiry

Posted: 12:33 Thu 09 Nov 2017
by Paulbarrow1
I have attached pictures of the bottle top, showing the levels. The seals are intact as you can see. I am based in Barnet near M25/A1 junction.

Re: Port and Madeira inquiry

Posted: 21:19 Thu 09 Nov 2017
by DRT
Paulbarrow1 wrote: 12:33 Thu 09 Nov 2017 I have attached pictures of the bottle top, showing the levels. The seals are intact as you can see. I am based in Barnet near M25/A1 junction.
I drove past there about four hours ago on my way hoe to Chesterfield :roll:

Thanks for the pictures. I will send you a private message.