James Maitland, whose name will be familiar to any who buy port from Seckfords, has confessed to turning 55 in mid April next year and plans to celebrate his birthday by opening a bottle of 1955 Croft, from a case given to him as a Christening present.
When I suggested that he might like to provide us with an excuse to meet up in London in April next year - perhaps the night before BFT 2017 - and insist on sharing his bottle with other port lovers and being forced to drink other ports from 1955 brought by those other port lovers, he thought that would be a tremendous idea.
Ben Campbell-Johnston, by email, re the date of the 2017 BFT, wrote:I suspect it will be after St George’s day but before the London Wine Fair. It depends on several criteria, such as Easter dates, Decanter and IWC judging dates among other things – April 24th – May 5th looks likely.
uncle tom wrote:I the best pedantic traditions of this site, might I point out that this should be 55@62..
AHB wrote:James Maitland, whose name will be familiar to any who buy port from Seckfords, has confessed to turning 55 in mid April next year and plans to celebrate his birthday by opening a bottle of 1955 Croft, from a case given to him as a Christening present.
1955s at James Maitland’s 55th. Abbreviated to “55@55”. All in the best pedantic traditions of this site.
I would very much like to come as I will go the BFT. I hope there is still space in the tasting room. I have seven 1955s. In addition to the ones that has been mentioned I can provide a George Thienpont 1955 vintage, or a Tuke Holdsworth.
Justin K wrote:Would be interested if there is a place left. Cockburn's (see Derek).
JB vintage wrote:I would very much like to come as I will go the BFT. I hope there is still space in the tasting room. I have seven 1955s. In addition to the ones that has been mentioned I can provide a George Thienpont 1955 vintage, or a Tuke Holdsworth.
Gentlemen - it would be an absolute pleasure to finally welcome both of you to one of our offlines in London. Even if we have to squeeze an extra 2 portions out of each bottle, as the organiser of the event I will use my executive powers to include you both.
It might be that once the date of the BFT is set that one or two people will not be able to attend and we will reduce numbers to our usual maximum of 14.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.