Last night there was shock and panic at the realisation that we have nothing firm organised until November 23rd - the night before the BFT!
The London premiere of A Year in Port is pencilled in for September 12th, but I'm not aware of any firm arrangements.
However, last night the creativity was flowing and we came up with a number of interesting ideas for future offlines:
- A small 1970 horizontal
- A 1970 in magnum horizontal
- A 1977 in magnum (or larger) horizontal in early February 2017
- A Smith Woodhouse vertical
- A 1986 horizontal (possibly combined in a matrix format with 1987 and/or 1988 and / or 1985) to allow those who have not tasted the 1986 vintage for themselves to see how good these wines are
- In 2024 a Quinta do Vesuvio 1994 Nebuchadnezzar (15 litre) "tasting"
I don't have much port in magnum (or larger) format because I rarely get the chance to open and drink a bottle that big. From 1970 I only have Fonseca and that is stored in bond in Octavian for the moment. From 1977 I have Dow (in bond), Fonseca (at home), Gould Campbell (in bond), Graham (duty cleared), Smith Woodhouse (in bond), Warre (in bond).
My main contribution to a SW vertical would be a bottle of the 1963. I've also got 1983, 1985, 1997, 2000 and 2011.
Between us we have got or should be able to get hold of reasonably easily:
- Cavadinha 1987,
- Fonseca Guimaraens 1988,
- Malvedos 1986 / 1987,
- Terra Feita 1986,
- Vargellas 1986 / 1987 / 1988
We also spent a lot of time contemplating what to do in order to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Port Forum (on Tuesday 20th June 2017). Celebrating in Oporto would tie in with the planned cricket match (21st) against the Oporto Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club and we could stay on for the Sao Joao street party and fireworks (23rd) and boat race (probably 24th). Nothing organised yet, but just some loose thoughts.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.