In early 2021, I connected with a few of my Port-loving friends from Los Angeles, Santa Cruz and Las Vegas and we organized the first of what has been come a quarterly get-together to catch up with each other and drink a lot of Ports and wines together. Unlike many of the formal tastings that we attend where there are carefully curated lineups, formal tasting, intense discussion, and copious tasting notes, we decided that these gatherings would be low-key and focused on just enjoying the weekend, the wines and each other’s company. Tasting notes optional.
For the April 2023 edition The Guys’ Port Weekend, we met up in Southern California to celebrate Andy's birthday. We all brought a few interesting bottles as we always do, but Andy reached deep into his collection to pull out some unique and amazing wines to share with us for his birthday celebration.
Full article at Guys' Port Weekend - LA
- 1980 Morano Porto Golden Orb - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Light amber in color with some visible sediment. Red fruit on the nose with herbs and just a hint of that characteristic dirty note that is common with wines of this era. This is usually picked up from the aguardiente that producers were required to buy from the IVDP. Medium-bodied with a pleasant, simple profile that is easy to drink. (89 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1973 Unknown Douro Vinho de Velho do Porto Garrafeira Particular - Portugal, Douro
Amber orange in color. There's some noticeable oxidation and a touch of VA on the nose with some vanilla notes just underneath. Surprisingly, there is less oxidation on the palate with sweet notes of honey, caramel, and refined sugars. Smooth, medium-bodied with sweetness and light acidity on the finish. (88 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1994 Quinta do Vesuvio Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Crushed blueberry and blackberry with floral notes and just a hint of mint. Entry is powerful, lush, and mouthcoating waves of blue fruits, and a rich texture and complexity. The mid-palate sings with an intricate dance of fruit and tannins, and the very long finish just underlines how powerful yet balanced a wine this really is. (94 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1934 Dalva Porto Reserve - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Bottled in 1973. Amber-orange in color. Some old oxidized notes on the nose but also some wonderful dried fruits and some Madeira notes. Rich, red fruit notes with some spirit and acidity present on the palate. Nice long finish. (92 pts.) (4/29/2023) - NV Kopke Porto 50 Year Old White - Portugal, Douro, Porto
375ml bottle. Amber-orange in color. Oak and caramel on the nose. Saline, dried nuts, and caramel on the palate. Nice acidity with noticeable sweetness and good structure. (93 pts.) (4/29/2023) - NV Quinta da Devesa Porto Finest White Reserve - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Bottled in 2022. Caramel and honey on the nose. Yellow golden color. Balance sweetness and good acidity on the wine. Nice long finish. (93 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1963 Martinez Gassiot & Co. Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Amber orange in color with just a slight tinge of pink. Red fruits and some light alcohol on the nose. Rich red fruit with some heat on the palate. Nice sweetness with just a touch of bitterness on the very end of the finish. (93 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1970 Dow Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Dark amber in color with slight orange on the edge. Dark chocolate and some dark fruit on the nose. Beautiful rich flavor with touches of cinnamon, red fruit, and light herbal notes. Great long finish. (94 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1944 Royal Oporto (Real Companhia Velha) Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Bottled in 2004. Cloudy appearance. Rich dusty fruits and a touch of heat on the nose. Great acidity and brightness. Good intensity with lime, citrus, and caramel on the palate. The finish is surprisingly wonderful and long. (93 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1947 Caves Messias Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Bottle in 1986. Amber orange in color. Bright nose of caramel, cassis, and candied orange. Great balance on the entry, with a clean, sweet flavor profile. Brown sugar and caramel notes on the palate. Great long finish with balanced acidity. (95 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1974 Barros Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Bottled in 2022. Amber-orange in color. It has a really fantastic structure and flavor profile. Great balance, good acidity, and complex flavors of orange spices, nuts, and dried fruit. Very long luxurious finish. (94 pts.) (4/29/2023) - Quinta de Brunheda Cask 51 Very Old Tawny Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto
Amber-brown in color. Cloudy. Chocolate and some rich sweetness and structured tannins on the palate. Great balance and complex flavor profile. A touch of heat right at the end of the palate but otherwise a fantastic wine with very long finish. (94 pts.) (4/29/2023) - 1853 Whitwham Porto Millennium- Reserve King Pedro V - Portugal, Douro, Porto
This is a while that has a bit of controversy in its history. I've heard several stories regarding this wine, and as best as I can piece together (nothing has been verified), this is supposedly a Niepoort Colheita bottled in 2001, but I have also heard that this wasn't actually a Niepoort wine, just that Niepoort did the bottling. Dark amber-purple in color. Great nose of old dark fruit with maple and old dusty wood on the nose. Rich butterscotch and orange spice on the palate, with exceptional balance and stunning intensity. Wow! Great complexity and a very long finish. (95 pts.) (4/29/2023)