Port

[TimmyBoston]

I opened my new bottle of Churchill's 10 year old Tawny Porto tonight. I also had a bit of my Jonesy for comparison. Personally I thought the Jonesy was vastly superior, it is also not nearly as nutty as the Churchill. The Churchill was still tasty and I'm glad I bought it.

[wnh]

I know essentially nothing about port, so I am in need of some advice. Before my daughter was born (this past December), I had decided to buy a bottle of port to give to her upon her turning 21. Ideally, I would like to buy a 2006 bottle, so it will be as old as she is when she receives it. How would I go about purchasing such a bottle? Can I just check into the local liquor store, or do ports of a particular year not become availble until after some time? Any online resources? I appreciate the help.

[Ken]

In some years many producers declare a vintage. In other years, it may be very different. Vintage Port is aged for two years before being bottled, so the wine is still young yet. According to thevintageportsite.com "Overall it can be said that the average quality of wine made is reasonably good..." You should check with a good wine merchant to see when shipments are expected. By then there will be a better idea of the quality of the vintage, but at least that quote suggests that you will be able to find something.

Ken

[Doc4]

I have a few bottles of 2000 vintage with the paint splash ... if I were near my cellar I'd say whose they are ...

Ouch wrote:

"You'll notice a splash of paint on the side of a bottle of true vintage port."

Ouch,

It's my belief that most Port houses have given up the paint splash. Of the bottles of port I have in my cellar, going back into the 70s with one bottle from the 60s, only Taylor uses the splash. It is missing on Graham, Dow, Warre, Croft, Cockburn, etc. I have not bought port since the early 90s so it is possible that they have resumed the practice. But my experience has been that paint is not used. It is not really necessary given paper labels and indeed the Taylor splashes are directly below the label. Do you know whether there are other houses that still use the splash?

Ken

[Doc4]

It may well be that no Vintage Port is made in 2006, depending on how the season went. The best online resource for wine is the Wine Spectator's website, but you need to subscribe for the best bits. (I think you may be able to 'test-drive' for free.)

If last year's crop is good, and a vintage is declared, then you should be able to get a bottle of '06 in about 2-3 years or a bit more.

But Much More Important is the storage of the bottle over the following decades!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot stress that enough. Someplace cool, dark, slightly damp, free from vibration. About 50 degrees is perfect. Lie the bottle on its side so the cork stays moist (dry corks shrink & air gets in.) Otherwise, your investment will be a big flop on her 21st BD.

I know essentially nothing about port, so I am in need of some advice. Before my daughter was born (this past December), I had decided to buy a bottle of port to give to her upon her turning 21. Ideally, I would like to buy a 2006 bottle, so it will be as old as she is when she receives it. How would I go about purchasing such a bottle? Can I just check into the local liquor store, or do ports of a particular year not become availble until after some time? Any online resources? I appreciate the help.