First Alex&Axel Offline, Jan 22nd Langenfeld, Ger

[Axel P]

Actually my wifes name is Alex, too, so it has to be a Alex, Alex and Axel Offline. Hopefully the correct Alex is in bed with me later on...

Anyways - we will have a

2003 Noval
2003 Fonseca
2003 Taylors
2003 Croft
2000 Vale Meao
and as a special aperitiv for my special guest a 1992 Vesuvio Colheita.

During the filet a 1997 Chateau Poujeaux will be served.

Everything else later as I expect his call any minute

Axel

[Axel P]

2003 Taylors and Fonseca being the leaders of the evening. Croft is starting to close down (although it was the only 03 served from a normal bottle) and Noval is a little less complex though very seducive right now. Vale Meao was very good to drink when I freshly opened the bottle. I conserved a half one but this was 48 hours later rather one-dimensional. Vesuvio Colheita was very good as well. Lots of complexity and depth. It even survived almost half a year in a half bottle after it has been flown over to Germany in the ammo-box.

Interesting projects, good Ports and world peace was thoroughly discussed.

Axel

[jdaw1]

Hopefully the correct Alex is in bed with me later on...

Your comment after the tasting failed to mention the result, so, recognising your mutual embarrassment, we shall say nothing.

[Alex Bridgeman]

No, please do not read too much into the lack of posting other than the fact that much port was consumed and good conversation was had.

I should also thank Alex and Axel for their very kind hospitality in hosting my brief visit on my last trip to Germany while working for my soon-to-be-former employer.

The Taylor was very impressive and will be a great wine. The Fonseca was very sweet and very drinkable. The Croft was certainly starting to close down and was nowhere near as good as I remember. The Noval 2003 was very pleasant. The Vale Meao 2000 was very one-dimensional but will make a perfectly good house port for everyday drinking in a decade or so.

The 1992 Vesuvio colheita was also a great aperitif and was very enjoyable - amazingly concentrated and complex.

And Chateau Poujeaux 1997 - absolutely perfect and at the top of its drinking window.

So thank you Axel!

Alex