Seeking opinions / TN's on some lesser known ports

[Mike K.]

I came across a few port brands (or bottlings) lately that I haven't heard of and found no reviews in the TN database.
Anyone have knowledge / opinions on any of the following?

* Feuerheerds colheitas (1960's and 1970's)

* Vale D. Maria 20yo tawny

* Borges Roncao 20yo tawny

* Barao de Vilar 20yo tawny

* Rainha Santa 20yo tawny

Thx!
Mike

[Andy Velebil]

Feuerheerds: I've had a few over the years and generally have been nice. From memory the older ones were better than the younger ones.

Barao de Vilar: Had the 20 year old and it was pleasant.

[Moses Botbol]

I have drank 1970 and I think 1963 Feuerheerd VP and both were mid-pack for the vintage. I bet their Colheita is better. They were giving away '70 Feuerheerd around here a few years ago. Could've bought a case for $375. Not sure why I did not...

I have a case of '94 Vale D. Maria VP we can try on the next port event. Rainha Santa is what I see as a lower tier brand. Often on shelf in poorer Portuguese neighborhood packy's ("package store" in MA speak) around MA. Barao de Vilar has a long history and I occasionally see that in Portuguese neighborhood packy's that are more upscale. They are supposed to be known for tawny, so I would pick that or the Vale D. Maria. I had Vale D. Maria 20 tawny at a wine event in Boston and thought it was really well done, but knew I was unlikely to see it for sale.

The best easier to find 20's in our locale are Taylor, Sandeman, Ferreira, and Noval.

[Mike K.]

Thanks Moses, that’s very helpful.

[Al B.]

Feuerheerd and Barao de Vilar are owned by the same company. I forget when Barao de Vilar bought Feuerheerd, but it was in the last 5 years or so. That means if you are seeing Feuerheerd colheitas which were bottled in the last few years you are seeing ports from the new owners, and the stocks owned by the new owners. I have tasted a few recently released Feuerheerd colheitas from the 1960s and 1970s (and have posted tasting notes elsewhere on the web) and they are pretty impressive. All of the wines from the Barao de Vilar portfolio (which covers Barao de Vilar, Feuerheerd, Palmer, Maynard and a few others) are pretty good and are worth trying.

I've not tried the other 20yo tawnies you've listed so can't give you any guidance on those.

[Mike K.]

All of the wines from the Barao de Vilar portfolio (which covers Barao de Vilar, Feuerheerd, Palmer, Maynard and a few others) are pretty good and are worth trying.

Thank you for those details Al, that was a great help. When you mentioned the association with Maynard it rang a bell with me and I realized I was previously aware of some of these brand associations and had forgotten. I must be getting old and forgetful. Now that you've refreshed my memory I agree that Barao de Vilar does nice work with wood aged ports and I should pick up a few of these. Thanks!

Cheers, Mike