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by Alex Bridgeman
14:10 Sun 27 Apr 2025
Forum: Other Fortified Wines
Topic: NV Tio Pepe
Replies: 0
Views: 63

NV Tio Pepe

IMG_2006.jpeg NV Tío Pepe fino Sherry, by the glass from the Alfonso XIII hotel in central Seville. Lemon yellow colour. A little gentle flor on the nose. Nicely balanced palate, the flor is restrained with the mineral and marmite dominating. Dry without being searing, the mid-palate is full of fla...
by Alex Bridgeman
14:00 Sun 27 Apr 2025
Forum: Travel
Topic: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard
Replies: 13
Views: 1322

Re: A Visit to Hambledon Vineyard

Justin K wrote: 18:36 Thu 24 Apr 2025 Another great destination, I think this might have been the place you recommended us visiting next time we come over?
It's well worth a visit
by Alex Bridgeman
16:22 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: NV Wine Society Crusted (bottled 2013)
Replies: 7
Views: 1149

Re: NV Wine Society Crusted (bottled 2013)

NV Wine Society Crusted, bottled 2013. From Symington Family Estates. Dark red with an opaque centre. Jellied black fruit on the nose, bramble jelly. Bramble jelly on the palate with charcoal tannins. Smooth, satin texture, with some tannins creating a brushed cotton effect. Hibiscus aftertaste, lin...
by Alex Bridgeman
16:20 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Ramos Pinto
Replies: 2
Views: 468

Re: 1977 Ramos Pinto

Ramos Pinto 1977. Slightly cloudy, full of fine sediment. Attractive mature fruit on the nose, a touch of red pear. A little red pear on the palate, along with dried plum — wonderfully mature. Dried cherry, damson and brown sugar. Wonderful complexity on the palate, multiple layers of subtle flavour...
by Alex Bridgeman
16:18 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Niepoort
Replies: 3
Views: 492

Re: 1977 Niepoort

Niepoort 1977. Bordeaux bottle. The most mature and developed of the wines being tasted this evening. Brick red, 30% opaque. Sweet, hints of orange blossom honey. Exquisite texture on the palate; Dead Nettle nectar, fabulous mature fruit. Stunning mature, spiced and honeyed fruit on the aftertaste a...
by Alex Bridgeman
16:18 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Taylor
Replies: 3
Views: 546

Re: 1977 Taylor

Taylor 1977. Mature appearance, approaching brick red and 40% opaque. A little sous bois and restrained fruit on the nose, much less expressive than the Fonseca. Dried red fruit, redcurrant jelly on a wonderfully expressive palate. The redcurrant and cranberry aftertaste holds long into the finish. ...
by Alex Bridgeman
16:14 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Fonseca
Replies: 4
Views: 554

Re: 1977 Fonseca

Fonseca 1977. Mature brick red, 40% opaque. Gorgeous mature fruit on the nose, sweet and ripe yet with a little redcurrant jelly. Jellied redcurrant on the palate, elegant and refined but with an underlying bitterness giving structure. Fabulous lingering redcurrant jelly with a birch sap undertone. ...
by Alex Bridgeman
16:08 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Sandeman
Replies: 4
Views: 605

Re: 1977 Sandeman

Sandeman 1977. Mature brick red colour, 50% opaque. Slightly musty cardboard on the nose, unpleasant. Similar tainted palate, but not as badly as the Dow. NR.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:06 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Smith Woodhouse
Replies: 3
Views: 499

Re: 1977 Smith Woodhouse

Smith Woodhouse 1977. Dark red, not as dark as GC but darker than W or G. Fresh cut red plums and red pears on the nose. Nicely balanced mature fruit, sweet and jellied. Bright green tannins grip drily and rather dominate the jellied fruit. Bitter citrus finish, great length. Very good Port. 90/100.
by Alex Bridgeman
16:05 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Gould Campbell
Replies: 3
Views: 546

Re: 1977 Gould Campbell

Gould Campbell 1977. Dark - intensely dark - red but with a centre that is still opaque. Black fruit, bramble and pipe ash. Exquisite palate, dominated by the ripe black cherry. Slightly green tannins still sit in the middle of the fruit. Green tannins give a chew to the aftertaste and finish. Long ...
by Alex Bridgeman
16:02 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Graham
Replies: 4
Views: 583

Re: 1977 Graham

Graham 1977. Dark red, very similar to the Warre. More attractive on the nose with sweet and ripe redcurrant fruit. Elegant fruit, fully expressive on the palate with a lovely acidic structure. Delicious red and bramble finish. Great length. A really fine wine. 92/100. I didn't notice the heat that ...
by Alex Bridgeman
15:50 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Warre
Replies: 5
Views: 563

Re: 1977 Warre

Warre 1977. Mature but dark red, 70% opaque. Lovely ripe and sweet redcurrant fruit in the nose. Wonderful concentrated fruit, surprisingly youthful with some tannin still on the palate. Some heat on the aftertaste. Long finish of red liquorice. Young, fresh. Delicious. Still needs lots more time. 8...
by Alex Bridgeman
15:48 Sat 26 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Tasting Notes
Topic: 1977 Dow
Replies: 3
Views: 524

Re: 1977 Dow

Dow 1977. Cork fell into the bottle when touched by an Ah-So. Pop and pour. Dark brick red. A little aldehyde on the nose, just a tiny bit of TCA. Some fruit on the palate, then a wave of metallic taint and wet cardboard. Dry core to the finish. Better finish. Much worse later. Yuck.
by Alex Bridgeman
17:32 Fri 25 Apr 2025
Forum: Organising Tastings and Get-togethers
Topic: Thursday 8th May - VE Day 80th Anniversary Tasting of 1945s
Replies: 32
Views: 2458

Re: Thursday 8th May - VE Day 80th Anniversary Tasting of 1945s

Could I have your food orders please. Special steaks availability: - Tomahawk (900-1000g) to share £82 - Fillet 230g £46 - Sirloin on the bone 600g £60 - Chateaubriand £86 All include two sides and two sauces If people are sharing then I'll take this into account with the seating plan. Will aim to ...
by Alex Bridgeman
06:26 Wed 23 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: 2023 Declarations
Replies: 7
Views: 1129

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: 470

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: 13
Views: 1322

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: 13
Views: 1322

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: 13
Views: 1322

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: 13
Views: 1322

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: 13
Views: 1322

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: 13
Views: 1322

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: 13
Views: 1322

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: 13
Views: 1322

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: 1129

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: 1129

2023 Declarations

I’ve just seen my first announcement for a 2023 Vintage Port. Churchill Quinta da Gricha O Port Unidade 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 Ve...
by Alex Bridgeman
20:46 Wed 16 Apr 2025
Forum: Port Conversations
Topic: Port for sale by retailer
Replies: 1610
Views: 1043926

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: 1043926

Re: Port for sale by retailer

That was a surprise
That was a surprise
IMG_1879.jpeg (83.53 KiB) Viewed 1084 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: 14399

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: 13051

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: 13051

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: 1348

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: 13051

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: 14399

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: 13051

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: 13051

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: 13051

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: 14399

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: 14399

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: 14399

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: 14399

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: 1043926

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: 547

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: 448

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: 448

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: 250

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: 317

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: 17048

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: 46563

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: 458

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?