Search found 2872 matches

by winesecretary
16:23 Fri 07 Aug 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Quinta do Noval Tasting 1 September 2026
Replies: 75
Views: 19666

Re: Quinta do Noval Tasting 1 September 2026

Menu choices - edited

Goats cheese salad
Burger, well done, with bun, dill pickle, salad, and with the addition of bacon; no tomato, ketchup, mayonnaise or other unguent; no fries; creamed corn on side.
No pudding

Thank you
by winesecretary
06:44 Wed 05 Aug 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2005 at 21 Tasting - Tuesday 3 November
Replies: 23
Views: 17396

Re: 2005 at 21 Tasting - Tuesday 3 November

I have checked and I have Portal in single bottle size so will bring that together with TTF and TV. I will then need to acquire or adopt one more bottle.
by winesecretary
21:33 Wed 29 Jul 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 30th July 2026 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 32
Views: 10353

Re: Thursday 30th July 2026 - Virtual Tasting

I am now a 'maybe' for this due to pressure of work (boo!) before I go on holiday (yay!). Hope to see you tomorrow. with the leftovers from the weekend's Warre 1970.
by winesecretary
21:31 Wed 29 Jul 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Quinta do Noval Tasting 1 September 2026
Replies: 75
Views: 19666

Re: Quinta do Noval Tasting 1 September 2026

Hello. 1 September still appears available. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend, thank you Bertie3000 and hadge, and for the opportunity to adopt, thank you nac.
by winesecretary
07:25 Tue 28 Jul 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 30th July 2026 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 32
Views: 10353

Re: Thursday 30th July 2026 - Virtual Tasting

I like the Joycean theme how about Irish bottled port?
by winesecretary
22:01 Mon 27 Jul 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 30th July 2026 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 32
Views: 10353

Re: Thursday 30th July 2026 - Virtual Tasting

Theme: Freestyle: Some kind of liquid, possibly alcoholic?
by winesecretary
15:02 Wed 22 Jul 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2005 at 21 Tasting - Tuesday 3 November
Replies: 23
Views: 17396

Re: 2005 at 21 Tasting - Tuesday 3 November

Three of my colleagues, one of whom has before attended, will now be joining us.

Maybe I'm starting a movement...
by winesecretary
06:46 Mon 20 Jul 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: A reliable company to collect and forward bottles won at Auction
Replies: 39
Views: 64599

Re: A reliable company to collect and forward bottles won at Auction

@ rich_n - unless the wine is straightforwardly identifiable by the storage facility owner as being the property of a particular client of their storage client - which in practice means ‘has a great big label securely fixed over the seal of the unopened case with ‘property of rich_n address XY telep...
by winesecretary
21:13 Tue 14 Jul 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2024 - did you buy any?
Replies: 14
Views: 3072

Re: 2024 - did you buy any?

In addition to the aforementioned 24 halves of Dow and 12 halves of Warre, I also have acquired 4 halves, 2 bottles and 1 magnum of Niepoort.
by winesecretary
22:04 Tue 07 Jul 2026
Forum: Reviews
Topic: 2024 Vintage - First Thoughts
Replies: 12
Views: 11272

Re: 2024 Vintage - First Thoughts

This is an attempt to capture my brief notes from the VWP tasting. Before I begin: - my thanks to Tony and Claire for arranging this very comprehensive event, warmly appreciated - this is clearly a very good port vintage and a true classic ‘declaration’ - this was a sighted tasting and so the below ...
by winesecretary
22:01 Mon 29 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV DR Lo 70 Agri Roncao
Replies: 4
Views: 2812

Re: NV DR Lo 70 Agri Roncao

To put it another way - I prefer ribbon tweeters, but I find electrostatics lacking in the bass. It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want some stacked Quad ESL 57s in the third listening room.
by winesecretary
22:00 Mon 29 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV DR Lo 70 Agri Roncao
Replies: 4
Views: 2812

Re: NV DR Lo 70 Agri Roncao

I think for me it is missing what I think of as a ‘port-ness’ in the way that the very best Colheitas, for example the 1896 Krohn, retain it. It renders the timbre of the cello differently. I suppose I am looking for a red fruit note which (very reasonably) you may say I am unlikely to find in a rea...
by winesecretary
20:53 Mon 29 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV DR Lo 70 Agri Roncao
Replies: 4
Views: 2812

NV DR Lo 70 Agri Roncao

There is a level of high fidelity music reproduction where whether or not the equipment is reproducing the music well is no longer the point. The point is whether the way in which that particular series of extremely expensive bits of high fidelity music equipment are reproducing it is a way that tic...
by winesecretary
17:53 Sun 21 Jun 2026
Forum: Reviews
Topic: 2024 Vintage - First Thoughts
Replies: 12
Views: 11272

Re: 2024 Vintage - First Thoughts

@ Mike J.W. - maybe plan a trip over around the planned (but currently unscheduled) Pintas vertical…
by winesecretary
10:31 Sat 20 Jun 2026
Forum: Reference
Topic: Port brand abbreviations
Replies: 452
Views: 2353527

Re: Port brand abbreviations

I support Bk. Eyesight will not support Bl.
by winesecretary
10:54 Fri 19 Jun 2026
Forum: Selling Port
Topic: 1937 Colheitas - 3 bottles, great condition. USA based
Replies: 9
Views: 7469

Re: 1937 Colheitas - 3 bottles, great condition. USA based

Internet tells me Foreign Brands Inc went into Chapter 11 in October 1979 so it will have been bottled and imported before then.
by winesecretary
21:37 Tue 16 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 19th October 2026 - a vertical of old Sandeman
Replies: 62
Views: 29963

Re: Monday 19th October 2026 - a vertical of old Sandeman

This is, in the endearing manner of this forum, becoming ever more insane. It is excellent theatre. Thank you.
by winesecretary
20:24 Tue 16 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 10 Nov 2026, blind mature SQVP
Replies: 21
Views: 7686

Re: Tue 10 Nov 2026, blind mature SQVP

@PhilW - an issue also for me.
by winesecretary
19:58 Mon 15 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1970 Warre
Replies: 1
Views: 2644

1970 Warre

This bottle top shoulder, albeit the cork was still in very fine form. so the below may be a decade premature, but… … a lovely light garnet, with violets rising to the nose on decanting, popped and decanted and poured… … and immediately in perfection, the cheese pushed to one side while I consumed t...
by winesecretary
09:02 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1997 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 3248

Re: 1997 Ramos Pinto

Deep dark red. Massive fruity nose. Still showing very young. Blueberry and cherry. Big, big, port. I gave it an HM.
by winesecretary
09:01 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1994 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 4
Views: 3478

Re: 1994 Ramos Pinto

Rather odd nose, slightly sewer-like. Possibly a glass issue. Palate much better than nose with ripe fruit. Unready.
by winesecretary
09:00 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1985 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 3041

Re: 1985 Ramos Pinto

Also unfeasibly dark, with big rich ripe fruit. Marginally, the best of the four 1980s wines on offer tonight, the extra ripeness giving it a lip-smacking quality. Very good port.
by winesecretary
08:58 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1983 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 3009

Re: 1983 Ramos Pinto

Even more unfeasibly dark than those around it. Big rich palate, a touch better than the 1982. Really fine finish of baked blackcurrant and black cherry. I found the sinewy quality attractive.
by winesecretary
08:57 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1982 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 6
Views: 12340

Re: 1982 Ramos Pinto

Dark as anything here. Fine rich port with dark fruit but barely ready. I liked it. Is this, possibly, the best 1982 port?
by winesecretary
08:55 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1980 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 3010

Re: 1980 Ramos Pinto

Deep dark colour. Big rich port, arguably not yet ready. Possibly a bit boot-faced. Licorice note later.
by winesecretary
08:54 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 4
Views: 3551

Re: 1977 Ramos Pinto

A kind donation to me from Charles. Thank you.

Deep red. nose a little warm. Palate was sweet and lovely with rich red fruit. Very attractive port - but possibly lacked a little of the class that it showed on first opening that morning. Third on the night and that was not unfair.
by winesecretary
08:52 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1970 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 3090

Re: 1970 Ramos Pinto

A deep garnet red. Pleasant sticky port with some tinned strawberries. Slightly less oomph than those around it.
by winesecretary
08:51 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1964 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 3015

Re: 1964 Ramos Pinto

Pale red centre, yellow rim. Strong pine nose with congruent palate.
by winesecretary
08:50 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1960 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 2937

Re: 1960 Ramos Pinto

Orange wine with yellow rim. Pungent nose. Orange, orange, orange. I thought this had a lovely texture. Possibly not really port as we know it but still attractive drinking.
by winesecretary
08:48 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1955 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 3034

Re: 1955 Ramos Pinto

Lovely deep garnet, orange rim. Long, elegant, middleweight palate of red fruit with long finish. Gorgeous port. I thought it perhaps faded a little later, but remained very attractive. I gave it a point and I can understand why it was the crowd favourite. Again, a kind donation, by someone who was ...
by winesecretary
08:44 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1952 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 3
Views: 3218

Re: 1952 Ramos Pinto

Reddish centre, pale rim. Smells vaguely of port. Palate, however, offered more, being elegant and attractive, although it faded later. I am very pleased to have tried this wine from a rare vintage, and grateful to its donor.
by winesecretary
08:43 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1945 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 2951

Re: 1945 Ramos Pinto

Incredibly dark. Huge nose of fruit cake. Palate almost brutal in its strength and richness of black fruit. Minutes-long finish, again with figs. This is powerful port, still fully alive. I was extremely impressed, and was and am grateful to its donor.
by winesecretary
08:40 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1935 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 2957

Re: 1935 Ramos Pinto

Browning with a watery rim. Indeterminate nose. Bit of cigar smoke. Palate an attractive mix of cigar and cherry brandy. Long spirity finish. Maybe fortified with cognac? Some fruit, late.
by winesecretary
08:38 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1934 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 2974

Re: 1934 Ramos Pinto

A good red. Big pungent, almost brutal, nose. Big spine-tingling port on the palate with a strong balsamic note. Very distinctive. I rather liked it and, again, am very grateful for its donation.
by winesecretary
08:36 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1931 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 2880

Re: 1931 Ramos Pinto

Centre orange, rim pale. Nose and palate indeterminate. Persistent but unexciting.
by winesecretary
08:35 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1927 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 2915

Re: 1927 Ramos Pinto

A garrafeira bottled 1932. Reddish centre, yellow rim. Very attractive nose of baked plum. Palate is rich and powerful and still very discernibly port. Beeswax. Later, some orange suet pudding. This was wine well worth consuming and I am grateful again to its provider.
by winesecretary
08:33 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1926 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 3
Views: 3182

Re: 1926 Ramos Pinto

Lovely deep colour- browning but still full - like Vintage Oxford Marmalade. Pine very clear on the nose. Rich and sweet palate with some very attractive poached yellow plum. Long, long, long finish with some attractive fig, late. Really lovely wine. I am extremely grateful to those who provided thi...
by winesecretary
08:30 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1924 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 2902

Re: 1924 Ramos Pinto

1926 bottled Bom Retiro. A muddy yellow. Tastes as it looks. Not a lot going on.
by winesecretary
08:29 Fri 12 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1887 Quinta do Bom Retiro
Replies: 2
Views: 2965

Re: 1887 Quinta do Bom Retiro

Colour a warm marmalade, paling rim. Piercing nose. Very much a colheita. Palate warm with some eucalyptus and pine. Grapefruit, late. Very long finish. Not at all unattractive. Even some apricot, later. Got a point from me - I enjoyed it.
by winesecretary
20:51 Thu 11 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June
Replies: 115
Views: 79472

Re: Ramos Pinto Vertical - Tuesday 9 June

To echo @flash_uk - many acts of generosity involved in the provision of these startling rarities, gratis and for nothing, probably more new-to-me ports than I have ever before tasted in a single night. So, thank you.
by winesecretary
20:42 Thu 11 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1976 Quinta de Vargellas
Replies: 0
Views: 5759

1976 Quinta de Vargellas

A rare thing, this. 2.5 hour decant. A well stored bottle. A good mid red. Nose has the Taylor violets but none of the Taylor heat. Palate has some poached red fruits and a little tickle of structure on the finish before the orange warmth. As a port, probably fifteen years past its best, but still a...
by winesecretary
18:32 Thu 11 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: The Port Forum 20th Anniversary - June 2027
Replies: 54
Views: 37864

Re: The Port Forum 20th Anniversary - June 2027

To our multiple organisers, and our many hosts, thank you, but particularly to Harry.
by winesecretary
09:51 Tue 09 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 4
Views: 3551

Re: 1977 Ramos Pinto

Opened 0740, decanted into screw cap at 0940 and sealed. Deep garnet colour, lovely scent of violets during decanting. A QA assessment of the dessertspoonful of dregs revealed a full rich port still with considerable strength and power. Really looking forward to trying this alongside its peers this ...
by winesecretary
20:39 Mon 08 Jun 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 4
Views: 3551

Re: 1977 Ramos Pinto

CPR’s Ramos Pinto 1977
by winesecretary
06:28 Tue 02 Jun 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: WED 17TH June - Bottle wrapped in foil and Quevedo Closure Experience Case
Replies: 76
Views: 28905

Re: WED 17TH June - Bottle wrapped in foil and Quevedo Closure Experience Case

Apologies for the short notice, but I can no longer attend this tasting, having mistaken the day. I have a series of meetings through until after six in Birmingham.

Hang on a minute - it’s the planner that’s wrong. This tasting is on the 17th after all! I can still attend! Hurrah!
by winesecretary
19:36 Thu 28 May 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1960 Niepoort
Replies: 3
Views: 10154

Re: 1960 Niepoort

Alex’s tasting notes and my tasting notes are usually two sides of an isosceles triangle - part of the same whole but his are longer (and much more useful).
by winesecretary
17:49 Thu 28 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Dow Vertical 2 February 2027
Replies: 38
Views: 11287

Re: Dow Vertical 2 February 2027

@cem - on the list, as, happily, will be the 1947...
by winesecretary
19:23 Wed 27 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Dow Vertical 2 February 2027
Replies: 38
Views: 11287

Re: Dow Vertical (Date TBC)

That is a convincing representation. 2 February now looking more likely.
by winesecretary
14:03 Wed 27 May 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Dow Vertical 2 February 2027
Replies: 38
Views: 11287

Re: Dow Vertical (Date TBC)

We have the choice of 2nd or 9th February 2027. I propose to go for the 9th unless there are convincing representations as to why 2nd is preferable by COB Thursday 28th May.