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by Alex Bridgeman
06:26 Wed 23 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2023 Declarations
Replies: 7
Views: 381

Re: 2023 Declarations

The Fladgate Partnership have just announced the release of a Taylor Sentinels 2023 Vintage Port. That’s added to the list. The press release reads: Taylor’s Celebrates the Second Release of Sentinels Vintage Port with the Launch of the 2023 Vintage In keeping with tradition, Taylor’s makes its decl...
by Alex Bridgeman
22:17 Sun 20 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1950 Cockburn
Replies: 0
Views: 148

1950 Cockburn

Cockburn 1950, Raby Castle stock. Decanted 3 hours. Mature brick red colour, 60% opaque. Gentle spiced baked redcurrant on the nose, delicious mature fruit. Medium weight on the palate with the spiced fruit dominating; redcurrant with multiple layers of complexity shining through the fruit balanced ...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:28 Sat 19 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 11
Views: 529

Re: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

Thanks gents, it's nice to know people read what I write!

I've just added a tasting note of the Première Cuvée Rosé to the restaurant description. Once I've had chance to try the Blanc de Blanc I'll add a tasting note to this thread.
by Alex Bridgeman
17:10 Fri 18 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 11
Views: 529

Re: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

After lunch we made a quick visit to the cellar door shop, which is currently upstairs between the wine bar and the tasting room while the new entrance is being finished. Once the new entrance area is ready, the wine shop will move into its larger space and will continue to offer the full range of H...
by Alex Bridgeman
16:58 Fri 18 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 11
Views: 529

Re: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

There was no sense of urgency and Simon was happy to stay with us while we chatted to our fellow tour visitors, finishing the wines and asking questions but eventually it was time for us to move to the other end of the Visitor's Centre and have lunch. The new owners have made no secret of the fact t...
by Alex Bridgeman
15:54 Fri 18 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 11
Views: 529

Re: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

IMG_1888.jpeg The tour ended by returning to the Visitor's Centre, turning right and going into the tasting room. We sat at a large round table and had 3 wines poured for us to taste and discuss. These were the Classic Cuvée NV, the Première Cuvée NV and the Classic Cuvée Rosé NV. The estate also m...
by Alex Bridgeman
19:21 Thu 17 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 11
Views: 529

Re: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

After chatting about all things vine and vineyard, and answering all our questions even those about why birds don't eat all the grapes (apparently there are several birds of prey living nearby, so the pigeons are never seen in the open) we walked around to the winery. The winery was opened for its f...
by Alex Bridgeman
18:11 Thu 17 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 11
Views: 529

Re: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

More on the Visitor's Centre later, when we return from our tour for lunch. Vineyard tours are available Wednesday to Sunday at either 11am or 2pm and must be pre-booked on the website to be certain of a place. From 3rd May through to the end of the summer, there will also be a 5pm tour available on...
by Alex Bridgeman
17:07 Thu 17 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 11
Views: 529

Re: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

As you can see from the pictures, the weather was perfect for a vineyard visit! Sir Guy died in 1985. In 1999, Sir Guy's family sold the vineyard to Ian Kellett, who revived the relationship with Pol Roger. Working together, they surveyed the vineyards, the soil and the bedrock and concluded that th...
by Alex Bridgeman
16:13 Thu 17 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 11
Views: 529

A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

Earlier today - Thursday 17th April 2025 - I had the fun of being invited for a tour and tasting of the vineyard, winery and wines of Hambledon Vineyard. The name might be familiar because this is the vineyard which is now owned by a 50-50 joint venture between Berry Brothers & Rudd and the Symi...
by Alex Bridgeman
07:40 Thu 17 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2023 Declarations
Replies: 7
Views: 381

Re: 2023 Declarations

Churchill Gricha and Ramos Pinto Bom Retiro added to the list - unapproved cask samples of both tasted at the BFT earlier this year.
by Alex Bridgeman
06:14 Thu 17 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2023 Declarations
Replies: 7
Views: 381

2023 Declarations

I’ve just seen my first announcement for a 2023 Vintage Port. Churchill Quinta da Gricha Ramos Pinto Quinta do Bom Retiro Symington Family Estates Cockburn Quinta dos Canais (delayed release) Dow Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Dow Quinta do Bomfim Graham Quinta dos Malvedos Quinta do Vesúvio Warre Qui...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:46 Wed 16 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for sale by retailer
Replies: 1610
Views: 1040272

Re: Port for sale by retailer

IMG_1879.jpeg I’ve just walked into my local Waitrose and found this is happening again. Hey ho, more White Port for the summer heading home. Those $@*%#! forced your hand...at least that's what I would say to my wife if I came home with another case or two of Port. Of course I still might have to ...
by Alex Bridgeman
08:08 Wed 16 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for sale by retailer
Replies: 1610
Views: 1040272

Re: Port for sale by retailer

That was a surprise
That was a surprise
IMG_1879.jpeg (83.53 KiB) Viewed 603 times

I’ve just walked into my local Waitrose and found this is happening again. Hey ho, more White Port for the summer heading home.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:29 Mon 14 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025
Replies: 60
Views: 2766

Re: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025

I’m running about 15 minutes late. Apologies.
by Alex Bridgeman
20:48 Fri 11 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 63
Views: 10063

Re: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

As it is, Neil is potentially the only vintage which will appear at both this tasting and at the post-war Taylor tasting George is organising.
by Alex Bridgeman
22:47 Wed 09 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 63
Views: 10063

Re: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

1908 is the oldest Taylor that I have knowingly tasted to date. There might be some older unknowns which were Taylor, but who knows. I don’t.
by Alex Bridgeman
22:45 Wed 09 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Taylor Vertical - Post WW2 - 28 October 2025
Replies: 23
Views: 672

Re: Taylor Vertical - Post WW2

Yes please. I rather like Taylor’s Ports.

Please could I bring 1963?
by Alex Bridgeman
22:41 Wed 09 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 63
Views: 10063

Re: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

First post updated.

Sorry Mike.

To get a seat at the table would now require a 1906, 1904 or older wine. (And I’ve never tasted either of those!)
by Alex Bridgeman
20:25 Tue 08 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025
Replies: 60
Views: 2766

Re: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025

Oh very well. I've been bottle-shamed and will join the herd.

How would people feel about me rolling the dice and bringing a Dow 1977 that we can pop, pour and consume before the terrible TCA swamps the wine?
by Alex Bridgeman
18:16 Tue 08 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 63
Views: 10063

Re: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

With 8 places at the table and with places being allocated on the basis of the age of the bottle(s) that can be offered for inclusion in the line-up - the older the wine you can contribute, the higher your place on the list - the attendee list changes with Cliff's generous offer. Ian, apologies, but...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:49 Tue 08 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 63
Views: 10063

Re: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

nac wrote: 10:55 Tue 08 Apr 2025 One post says I’m (potentially) bringing 48, another says 66. Confused.
The first post is the definitive list. Other lists are just workings-out.

So you’re down for the 1948.
by Alex Bridgeman
06:21 Tue 08 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical
Replies: 63
Views: 10063

Re: Monday 13th October 2025 - Taylor Vertical

cem wrote: 01:35 Tue 08 Apr 2025 If you feel able to fit one more in, I am over in the UK in October and can provide two Taylor legends, the 1908 and the 1912.
That definitely gets you to the table. I’ll rework the list on the first post later today.
by Alex Bridgeman
21:52 Mon 07 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025
Replies: 60
Views: 2766

Re: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025

No starter, cote de boeuf (medium-rare) which I am willing to share if someone wants to. Skinny chips and green beans please.

No sauce - they are all “not bearnaise”.
by Alex Bridgeman
18:20 Mon 07 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025
Replies: 60
Views: 2766

Re: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025

jdaw1 wrote: 17:14 Mon 07 Apr 2025 (For which, @Alex, what is the bottling date of the Pink?)
Cellar records suggest it was acquired in April 2021 so, perhaps, 2020?
by Alex Bridgeman
19:23 Sun 06 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025
Replies: 60
Views: 2766

Re: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025

My vote — the crusted please.
by Alex Bridgeman
17:54 Sun 06 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025
Replies: 60
Views: 2766

Re: Emergency, Mon 14 Apr 2025

I appear to be available. I’m in.

Port too good for the in-laws. Hmm - I only have 1 in-law left and any Port is too good for her. Never mind, it wasn’t my theme and gives me a chance to open the Croft Pink I never thought I’d open.
by Alex Bridgeman
08:14 Wed 02 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for sale by retailer
Replies: 1610
Views: 1040272

Re: Port for sale by retailer

Has anyone bought a bottle of the Fletcher 10YO — now reduced from £7.99 to £6.99 in my local Aldi? There were none on the shelf when I went in to look, so I couldn’t find out for myself, but does anyone know who the bottler is? The Ruby comes from Quinta & Vineyard Bottlers. I’m curious to know...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:57 Mon 31 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Taylor
Replies: 2
Views: 431

Re: 1977 Taylor

Great news! This is a great wine when you have a good bottle.
by Alex Bridgeman
17:41 Mon 31 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1965 Graham Malvedos
Replies: 5
Views: 177

Re: 1965 Graham Malvedos

winesecretary wrote: 15:37 Sun 30 Mar 2025 ‘Bletted quince on the nose’ would be a great title for your autobiography…
That caused a good deal of mirth in the Bridgeman household this evening. Thank you for the laugh.
by Alex Bridgeman
11:52 Sun 30 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1965 Graham Malvedos
Replies: 5
Views: 177

1965 Graham Malvedos

1965 Graham Malvedos, late release in 2015, bottle number 167 of 400. Decanted 1 hour. Bronze red colour, 60% opaque. Bletted quince and bruised apple on the nose. Sweet cherry, bitter sloe and lots of heat making this so much like the cheap cherry brandy I used to drink in my youth! Long finish, bi...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:50 Sun 30 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Quevedo Ruby
Replies: 0
Views: 71

NV Quevedo Ruby

This is a reliably drinkable ruby Port, full of fruit with a hint of tannin. But what was different about this tasting was that everyone around the table was given a finger of Billington's Gingerbread - you dunk the gingerbread in the ruby Port and then eat the gingerbread. The Port creates an explo...
by Alex Bridgeman
11:32 Sun 30 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2011 Warre LBV (unfiltered)
Replies: 0
Views: 74

2011 Warre LBV (unfiltered)

2011 Warre LBV, traditional bottle matured, bottled 2015. Decanted 9 hours. Dark red, garnet in tone with a medium rim. The nose is gorgeous, sweet dark fruit - think black cherry and bramble. Ooh! I love the texture on the palate, light and fluffy yet enveloping and reassuring - like a favourite co...
by Alex Bridgeman
09:53 Sun 30 Mar 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 72
Views: 11341

Re: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting

Just to have it on record, could people post what they opened for the Zoom get-together last Thursday?
by Alex Bridgeman
07:34 Sun 30 Mar 2025
Forum: Reviews
Topic: Offline Summary by Shipper
Replies: 12
Views: 46332

Re: Offline Summary by Shipper

I’ve got a list of things I want to do for the website after the BFT. I could add this to the list - but if someone gets there before me that’s also fine by me!
by Alex Bridgeman
00:16 Sun 30 Mar 2025
Forum: Reviews
Topic: Smith Woodhouse from the 1990s
Replies: 2
Views: 326

Re: Smith Woodhouse from the 1990s

John - that sounds like a great tasting. I love SW and would have enjoyed most or all of those wines.

But just to confirm, you tasted the SW91, not the SW92?
by Alex Bridgeman
10:20 Fri 28 Mar 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 25th September 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 13
Views: 320

Re: Thursday 25th September 2025 - Virtual Tasting

Unlikely, unfortunately. I am almost certain not to be able to make that date.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:06 Thu 27 Mar 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 72
Views: 11341

Re: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting

That was great fun guys, good to see everyone. I apologise for my frequent and extended disappearances - with the BFT being in a week's time there's a whole load of stuff I need to get done.

Not sure what happened at the end!

Glenn - I'm happy to continue for an hour or so if you send me an invite
by Alex Bridgeman
19:14 Thu 27 Mar 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 72
Views: 11341

Re: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting

The problem with starting a tasting at 8pm is that my decanter is already half empty. That was your last bottle of LBV? :D I bought 7 bottles. This is the first 1. I’m very, very glad I have 6 more, it’s that good. But I’m not going to open another 1 tonight. When the decanter is empty I’ll switch ...
by Alex Bridgeman
18:29 Thu 27 Mar 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting
Replies: 72
Views: 11341

Re: Thursday 27th March 2025 - Virtual Tasting

The problem with starting a tasting at 8pm is that my decanter is already half empty.
by Alex Bridgeman
22:04 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2021 Graham Stone Terraces
Replies: 0
Views: 81

2021 Graham Stone Terraces

2021 Graham Stone Terraces. Brilliant nose, sweet baby fruit bomb! Gloriously perfumed fruit; fine tannins. Beautiful current drinking - I won’t be alive when this wine hits its peak but mine might have all been drunk by then! 98/100. Tasted at the Fells Portfolio event on 18-Feb-2025.
by Alex Bridgeman
21:49 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Warre
Replies: 5
Views: 981

Re: 2000 Warre

W00: The darkest of the wines being tasted at this 2000 horizontal. An unexpected nose, a little dirtiness to the fruit on the nose. Lovely fruit on the palate, much better than on the nose. A wine which builds up beautifully. Lingering and fragrant. Lovely, slightly sticky. 91/100.
by Alex Bridgeman
21:49 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Quinta do Vesuvio
Replies: 5
Views: 1447

Re: 2000 Quinta do Vesuvio

Rose red colour, 90% opaque. The fruit has a lovely elegance on the nose. The elegance of the texture is fabulous, rich fruit full of black cherry and dark chocolate. Stunning Port, really very good. 93/100.
by Alex Bridgeman
21:47 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Sandeman Vau
Replies: 8
Views: 578

Re: 2000 Sandeman Vau

SV00: Substantial heavy sediment in the glass. Mature tone to the colour, 90% opaque. Fresh cranberry on the nose, sweetened and fragrant. Sharp palate, good grip with good depth of fruit giving a very nice palate; quite a lot of menthol on the aftertaste, followed by a long liquorice Pontefract cak...
by Alex Bridgeman
21:45 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Taylor
Replies: 4
Views: 716

Re: 2000 Taylor

T00: Just approaching the tone of colour of a mature VP. A nose that has a slightly soapy tone, which seems to be a feature of a few wines from this vintage. The entry is rather nice, with ripe and sweet fruit holding gentle tannins. The tannins hold nicely and deliver and support a long fruit finis...
by Alex Bridgeman
21:44 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Smith Woodhouse
Replies: 4
Views: 427

Re: 2000 Smith Woodhouse

Not as dark in colour as the GC00 tasted alongside, but dasker than the QH00 or Sainsbury Taste the Difference 2000 VP. Bright on the nose, full of fruit. Nicely balanced entry, but dominated by the acidity disrupting the balance and harmony of the wine. Menthol and spirit makes the aftertaste uncom...
by Alex Bridgeman
21:43 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Sandeman
Replies: 6
Views: 525

Re: 2000 Sandeman

S00: Darker and less mature than the SV, 95% opaque. The nose is lacking harmony, a little harsh. Smoother on the palate than expected from the nose, sweet and ripe. The smoothness on the palate is backed by a gentle grip. Lovely finish, great length. 90/100.
by Alex Bridgeman
21:38 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Sainsbury's Taste The Difference
Replies: 5
Views: 473

Re: 2000 Sainsbury's Taste The Difference

Sainsbury Taste the Difference labelled. Mature in tone and appearance. 80% opaque. Sweet black berry fruit on the nose, perhaps fruit salad. Balanced entry, medium bodied with ripe fruit backed by good acidity. The tannins are faint, the lingering fruit on the persistent finish is lovely. 88/100. K...
by Alex Bridgeman
21:37 Wed 26 Mar 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 2000 Quarles Harris
Replies: 4
Views: 514

Re: 2000 Quarles Harris

Looking to be in early maturity, 30% opaque. Gently fragrant nose of fresh berry fruit. Tight, slightly sour fruit on the palate; medium bodied and fragrant. Gentle tannins on the aftertaste and finish. Good length. 87/100