It was great to see Ronnie again, looking tanned and relaxed and also really nice to see Ian Wright after so long - Davy's Canary Wharf will be another branch of Davy's that welcomes us in the future if we ever feel the need to move out of the Bunghole.
Sadly, the evening was all too brief and while we had a few hours to chat and sip some splendid glasses, it wasn't long enough. The wines were a great selection and it was my first Niepoort 1983...but then I had to rush off to catch a train home.
I was as rubbish as ever in identifying the ports served blind, managing 1 point out of a possible 10 but I will keep trying in the hope that one day I will consistently start scoring 2 out of 10; baby steps, baby steps.
Thanks to everyone for trying a new venue. Ian was as excited to see us as we were to be welcomed somewhere new, and with a large and brightly lit tasting room available for hire.
And thanks to Ronnie for providing us with an excuse to get together. At least I can't have given Ronnie my cold since he already had one!
Top Ports in 2022: Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port. I cried with joy.
2023: Fonseca 1966. There are not many better Ports, except a good bottle of Fonseca 1927. Wow!
It was a great evening indeed, and wonderful to meet up with you guys again. We all seemed to have made the same selection criterium when it came to choosing what port to bring: utter drinkability. Truly a lovely selection of ports. My next visit will be in April and I'm already looking forward to a good offline then!
Great to renew old acquaintances and of course taste some fabulous ports. Best of the night? Without a doubt Warres 70. Most surprising? Warres LBV 84 - delicious everyday port. Thanks to one and all for welcoming me so warmly, it was fantastic to see you all again, hopefully it won't be another 5 years til the next time!