Search found 16432 matches

by Alex Bridgeman
09:47 Sun 15 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Cork Rests
Replies: 28
Views: 552

Re: Cork Rests

What a statement piece!
What a statement piece!
Cork rest mark 1.png (246.67 KiB) Viewed 163 times

I must admit, it's not easy to sneak the Mark 1 version into the house without the other half noticing. It's also quite a challenge to find bottles with corks big enough to fit on the Mark 1.

I'm relieved that the Mark 2 version is smaller and lighter.
by Alex Bridgeman
22:33 Fri 13 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 4 Bottles to sell!
Replies: 15
Views: 2601

Re: 4 Bottles to sell!

Can't cook with them as I don't drink - i said that at the start!!!!! As for deleting, according to the FAQs, I can't delete my message once I have had a reply! So it seems that I am stumped! I am unlikely to return to this forum ,if an administrator happens to catch these comments, I hereby give m...
by Alex Bridgeman
21:23 Fri 13 Mar 2026
Forum: Travel
Topic: Port in Paris
Replies: 1
Views: 143

Re: Port in Paris

I have a vague recollection that Portologia is in Paris.

But a quick Google suggests that it is now permanently closed.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:57 Mon 09 Mar 2026
Forum: Reference
Topic: List of grape varieties permitted by the IVDP for use in production of Port
Replies: 12
Views: 4438

Re: List of grape varieties permitted by the IVDP for use in production of Port

I am waiting for the time that someone in the Douro goes completely rogue and makes a Vinho Fortificado de Portugal which falls outside the scope of the IVDP. Almost as if it was a family reserve which hadn't been registered and recorded... AFAIK, you can't, all wine spirit (aguardente) in the Dour...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:54 Mon 09 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Dating a bottle with no label
Replies: 9
Views: 704

Re: Dating a bottle with no label

I would have guessed the bottle to be 1920s to 1940s.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:50 Mon 09 Mar 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 21 April 2026: Elizabeth II’s 100th
Replies: 29
Views: 2300

Re: Tue 21 April 2026: Elizabeth II’s 100th

jdaw1 wrote: 19:40 Mon 09 Mar 2026 In the FT there was a good comment from somebody with handle “Vintage Chateau d'Yquem”.
Only those with a subscription to the FT will know just how good the comments were...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:43 Mon 09 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2024 Vintage Declarations
Replies: 4
Views: 511

Re: 2024 Vintage Declarations

Churchill, Niepoort and Quevedo are showing 2024 cask samples at the bft.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:41 Mon 09 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2024 Vintage Declarations
Replies: 4
Views: 511

Re: 2024 Vintage Declarations

Here PCM reports that Sogrape have declared Sandeman and Ferreira 2024
by Alex Bridgeman
23:30 Mon 09 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2023 Declarations
Replies: 27
Views: 70272

Re: 2023 Declarations

Although I've demoted this topic from being a sticky, if anyone becomes aware of any 2023 declarations which are not on the first post then please say so in the thread.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:28 Mon 09 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2024 Vintage Declarations
Replies: 4
Views: 511

2024 Vintage Declarations

  • Churchill
  • Niepoort
  • Quevedo
  • Sogrape:
    • Ferreira
    • Sandeman


Links to other vintages:
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
by Alex Bridgeman
19:26 Mon 09 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Sogrape declares 2024 VP
Replies: 2
Views: 345

Re: Sogrape declares 2024 VP

I’ll start a 2024 declarations page tomorrow.
by Alex Bridgeman
12:46 Sun 08 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port-box enclosures
Replies: 20
Views: 13588

Re: Port-box enclosures

A single bottle box of Graham Stone Terraces 2011 contained a small booklet. IMG_8213.jpeg IMG_8214.jpeg IMG_8215.jpeg IMG_8216.jpeg IMG_8217.jpeg The text of the first page reads: 2011 VINTAGE PORT The Vintage of 2011 is one that our generation will best remember. Conditions for ripening and harves...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:47 Sat 07 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2396
Views: 6224178

Re: Latest buy

I love those proper Tappit Hen bottles.

I also love the Warre 1975 from Tappit Hen. It’s drinking really nicely at the moment (at least it was a couple of years ago when I last had it).
by Alex Bridgeman
23:45 Sat 07 Mar 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 66 @ 60 - Tuesday 17 March 2026
Replies: 77
Views: 11930

Re: 66 @ 60 - Tuesday 17 March 2026

nac wrote: 07:52 Sat 07 Mar 2026 Food orders going in on Monday. Anyone left to declare?
I’ll order on the day since my chances of attending are small (but positive).
by Alex Bridgeman
00:04 Sat 07 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Latest buy
Replies: 2396
Views: 6224178

Re: Latest buy

That's cheaper than Morrison's 10YO Tawny which Mrs B drank copious amounts of during lockdown. At that price, it was well worth buying and drinking.
by Alex Bridgeman
00:00 Sat 07 Mar 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 66 @ 60 - Tuesday 17 March 2026
Replies: 77
Views: 11930

Re: 66 @ 60 - Tuesday 17 March 2026

There is now a small but positive chance that I might be able to make this tasting (arrangements for the bft are progressing well) - please could I have the last seat? Assuming I am able to make it, the only 1966 VP I own which is not already being brought is Berry Brothers Own Selection. Or I could...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:54 Fri 06 Mar 2026
Forum: Reference
Topic: List of grape varieties permitted by the IVDP for use in production of Port
Replies: 12
Views: 4438

Re: List of grape varieties permitted by the IVDP for use in production of Port

I am waiting for the time that someone in the Douro goes completely rogue and makes a Vinho Fortificado de Portugal which falls outside the scope of the IVDP. Almost as if it was a family reserve which hadn't been registered and recorded...
by Alex Bridgeman
14:49 Thu 05 Mar 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: T Minus 25 years 2011 Horizontal - London Thu 23rd April 2026
Replies: 33
Views: 4618

Re: T Minus 25 years 2011 Horizontal - London Thu 23rd April 2026

For April 23rd
For April 23rd
IMG_8195.jpeg (64.46 KiB) Viewed 2032 times


This arrived a few minutes ago. Bought from Frazier Jones in Solihull and released from bond on Friday after I ordered one.

(And I have to say the service I got from them was excellent.)

The bottle will now rest gently in the cellar for the next 6 weeks.
by Alex Bridgeman
23:40 Tue 03 Mar 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: What should I do with this slightly heat-damaged Taylor 1983?
Replies: 14
Views: 1579

Re: What should I do with this slightly heat-damaged Taylor 1983?

The best bolognese ragu I have ever had was made with Fonseca 1966.
Glenn E. wrote: 18:25 Tue 03 Mar 2026 As Miguel said, there are ways. Start by using fewer carrots.
Uh? Carrots in a bolognese ragu? You have a different recipe to my grandmother’s!
by Alex Bridgeman
22:45 Sat 28 Feb 2026
Forum: Travel
Topic: First travel to Portugal
Replies: 4
Views: 2239

Re: First travel to Portugal

I’ve been thinking about what to recommend as my two top tips for Porto. But first, when you’re in Lisbon I recommend visiting all three branches of Garrafeira Nacional and sampling what they have available by the glass. When you’re in Porto, I recommend booking yourself onto a tour of the Graham’s ...
by Alex Bridgeman
22:38 Sat 28 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Sighted somethings, Wed 25 Feb 2026
Replies: 63
Views: 10604

Re: Sighted somethings, Wed 25 Feb 2026

Flash did the scoring and took pictures of the score sheets. Hopefully he’ll have the chance to post soon.
by Alex Bridgeman
18:01 Sat 28 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 60 @ 66 - Tuesday 14 April 2026
Replies: 43
Views: 8785

Re: 60 @ 66 - Tuesday 14 April 2026

I’m in! Note that this is Tom's year of birth so it might be nice to save a spot for him while we give him a nudge. I have at home BN, Fe, Ni (only one bottle, which might be needed for the F v Ni tasting), N, Rs, RV, Sb and T. In storage I also have Ck. I don't have any Ramos Pinto 1960 so won't b...
by Alex Bridgeman
15:21 Sat 28 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 21 April 2026: Elizabeth II’s 100th
Replies: 29
Views: 2300

Re: Tue 21 April 2026: Elizabeth II’s 100th

Sadly this is too soon after the 1960 tasting and too close to the 2011 tasting for me to be likely to make it.

Put me down as a reserve please. There’s a small chance I could make it..
by Alex Bridgeman
08:40 Fri 27 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: The new Douro viticulture (interesting World of Fine Wine article)
Replies: 3
Views: 723

Re: The new Douro viticulture (interesting World of Fine Wine article)

Thanks for posting the link Michael. I enjoyed reading the article.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:05 Wed 25 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Sighted somethings, Wed 25 Feb 2026
Replies: 63
Views: 10604

Re: Sighted somethings, Wed 25 Feb 2026

nac wrote: 15:41 Wed 25 Feb 2026 I'll be bringing something extra that won't need a placemat space.

Probably there 1700ish.
Is it the Neal’s Yard own label Quality English Sparkling Wine?
by Alex Bridgeman
15:52 Wed 25 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 4 Bottles to sell!
Replies: 15
Views: 2601

Re: 4 Bottles to sell!

Terry,

You can just delete your post, but if you are happy to it would be nice to leave it there. Being able to read the discussion might help someone else in a position similar to you in the future.

Thanks

Alex
by Alex Bridgeman
19:05 Tue 24 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1989 Quevedo Colheita (bottled 2025)
Replies: 0
Views: 1153

1989 Quevedo Colheita (bottled 2025)

In contrast to poor George, my miniature of 1989 Colheita was rather nice - not a blockbuster, but tasty enough, so I thought I'd post a note to contrast with his. Quevedo 1989 Colheita, bottled in 9cl in 2025 for the 2025 advent calendar. Decanted off a surprising amount of sediment - clearly bottl...
by Alex Bridgeman
18:55 Tue 24 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1989 Quevedo Colheita (bottled 2025)
Replies: 5
Views: 1194

Re: 1989 Quevedo Colheita Bottled 2025

I opened mine this evening and I'm pleased to report it does not have a faecal finish but there is a strong burnt rubber band. (And I refuse to ask how you know what faeces tastes like...)
by Alex Bridgeman
18:12 Tue 24 Feb 2026
Forum: Beer, Spirits, Cigars, and Pork Pies
Topic: Quinta do Noval Olive Oil
Replies: 14
Views: 26099

Re: Quinta do Noval Olive Oil

By WhatsApp, Julian has requested 36 bottles
by Alex Bridgeman
18:10 Tue 24 Feb 2026
Forum: Beer, Spirits, Cigars, and Pork Pies
Topic: Quinta do Noval Olive Oil
Replies: 14
Views: 26099

Re: Quinta do Noval Olive Oil

I have been told the 2025 harvest olive oil will be shipping shortly. If anyone wants to change their order, please say so very soon.
by Alex Bridgeman
10:20 Tue 24 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: T Minus 25 years 2011 Horizontal - London Thu 23rd April 2026
Replies: 33
Views: 4618

Re: T Minus 25 years 2011 Horizontal - London Thu 23rd April 2026

If Martin doesn't have a 2011 to bring along, I can offer a bottle of Noval for adoption.
by Alex Bridgeman
18:53 Sun 22 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: 2005 at 21 Tasting - Tuesday 3 November
Replies: 13
Views: 1674

Re: 2005 at 21 Tasting - Tuesday 3 November?

I would have been interested, but regret I cannot make 3rd November.
by Alex Bridgeman
21:56 Sat 21 Feb 2026
Forum: Introductions
Topic: I guess I will introduce myself
Replies: 3
Views: 1700

Re: I guess I will introduce myself

It would be nice yo share your name. It’s not essential, but it helps to build a connection when you’re asking for suggestions on where to visit in Portugal.
by Alex Bridgeman
21:55 Sat 21 Feb 2026
Forum: Travel
Topic: First travel to Portugal
Replies: 4
Views: 2239

Re: First travel to Portugal

Are you travelling on your own?
by Alex Bridgeman
21:03 Wed 18 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Sighted somethings, Wed 25 Feb 2026
Replies: 63
Views: 10604

Re: Something, incl. Quevedo closures, Wed 25 Feb 2026

I am going to have to withdraw from this tasting. Would you like the Quevedo closure part of it postponed until a date you can manage, while the other bottles — and something from me — are drunk this on 25 th  February? Would you welcome my seizing ancient organiser powers and declaring this? That ...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:48 Wed 18 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: CANCELLED - Ends in a 7 - Tuesday 12th January 2027
Replies: 29
Views: 7090

Re: CANCELLED - Ends in a 7 - Tuesday 12th January 2027

I could reschedule, although it would be late March rather than my busiest working month of February.

Or perhaps 5th Jan rather than 12th.

Do people have a preference?
by Alex Bridgeman
16:46 Wed 18 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: CANCELLED - Ends in a 7 - Tuesday 12th January 2027
Replies: 29
Views: 7090

Re: CANCELLED - Ends in a 7 - Tuesday 12th January 2027

With the Niepoort / Fonseca tasting planned for the following Tuesday, I have decided to cancel this tasting.

Apologies to everyone who had signed up.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:44 Wed 18 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Fonseca and Niepoort - 19th January 2027
Replies: 31
Views: 10265

Re: Fonseca and Niepoort - 19th January 2027

I can make the new date, and will cancel the tasting planned for 12 Jan.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:42 Wed 18 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Sighted somethings, Wed 25 Feb 2026
Replies: 63
Views: 10604

Re: Something, incl. Quevedo closures, Wed 25 Feb 2026

With humble apologies (especially because Julian chose a date I said I would be able to manage), I am going to have to withdraw from this tasting.

A combination of a dying mother-in-law and the date of the bft rushing towards me has just made my attendance impossible.
by Alex Bridgeman
08:44 Tue 17 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1986 Quevedo White Colheita (bottled 2026)
Replies: 7
Views: 1616

Re: 1986 Quevedo White Colheita (bottled 2026)

That's a great looking glass of White Port. Quevedo is pretty much impossible to locate in the U.S. so I'd have to order directly from them once it's released. Their 30 y.o. White is 101€, so my guess is this will probably be in the 200€ + range (and then I'd have to add on the 15% tariff and shipp...
by Alex Bridgeman
23:41 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1986 Quevedo White Colheita (bottled 2026)
Replies: 7
Views: 1616

Re: 1986 Quevedo White Colheita (bottled 2026)

I believe that the plan is to bottle it this year.
by Alex Bridgeman
22:40 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Reviews
Topic: 2026 : Vasconcellos tawny tasting
Replies: 3
Views: 2291

Re: 2026 : Vasconcellos tawny tasting

Thank you for posting Phil. I've walked past that building so often and never been in.

Next visit to Porto, that will change!
by Alex Bridgeman
22:18 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1986 Quevedo White Colheita (bottled 2026)
Replies: 7
Views: 1616

1986 Quevedo White Colheita (bottled 2026)

IMG_8085.jpeg From time to time, I am sent or given samples to taste. Most of the time they are very pleasant surprises and I enjoy tasting them, giving an honest opinion on what I find. Occasionally I taste something that I just have to track down and buy — this was one of those occasions. If you ...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:28 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Tue 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical
Replies: 24
Views: 3440

Re: 5 May 2026 - GC/SW/QH triple vertical

I might be a little late, but I will be there.
by Alex Bridgeman
09:33 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Cockburn
Replies: 2
Views: 4875

Re: 1977 Cockburn

One of the bottles released by SFE after their acquisition of Cockburn. Mature brick-red colour, 50% opaque. Bruised fruit on the nose, sweet but also fruity. Soft fruit on the entry with sweet raspberry and some tannins on the mid-palate; lovely mouth filling flavours with plenty of fruit and a goo...
by Alex Bridgeman
09:32 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Cockburn
Replies: 2
Views: 4598

Re: 1977 Cockburn

A bottle released from the Cockburn cellar in 2007, prior to the late release by SFE. More red in colour than the recorked bottle, around 40% opaque. Showing a little fruit on the nose, fresh and attractive. The fruit flows nicely onto the palate with fresh flavours carrying generous amounts of rasp...
by Alex Bridgeman
09:31 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1975 Cockburn
Replies: 2
Views: 4592

Re: 1975 Cockburn

Purchased ex-cellars via auction in 2008. Light rose colour, 50% opaque. Delicate appearance. A wonderful attractive nose, full of refinement - slightly disdainful and haughty, definitely holding back. Gentle, delicate fruit on the palate, even some tannins support the soft fruit, which comes with g...
by Alex Bridgeman
09:31 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1970 Cockburn
Replies: 2
Views: 4494

Re: 1970 Cockburn

Deep red colour, 70% opaque. An attractive nose bringing sweet fruit, mainly flavoursome raspberry. Youthful tannins appear on the palate, which is generous and with plenty of fruit that changes to give plenty of development. As with the 1967, this shows a lovely fragrance on the palate. Delicate sw...
by Alex Bridgeman
09:28 Mon 16 Feb 2026
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1960 Cockburn
Replies: 2
Views: 4753

Re: 1960 Cockburn

Mature brick red, 40% opaque. Not much on the nose other than a little sweet nectar. An odd palate, fresh and with plentiful fruit rather than the mature tertiary-toned flavours expected. The palate is balanced with lovely fruit and acidity. Bitter cranberry finish and a huge length. A very lovely b...