Dominic Symington in Houston

[Marilyn Eickenhorst]

Thanks to the heads up from Roy, Charlie and I attended the Symington Estates Port tasting in Houston. The weather delayed Dominic Symington for nearly an hour, but once he arrived, Dominic was very informative, enthusiastic and charming. After the tasting, we introduced ourselves and mentioned that we had just been to Portugal with Roy, Andy and David, so he greeted us like old friends!

The tasting included the 2007's from Warre's, Smith Woodhouse, Vesuvio, Dow's and Graham's. We also tasted the 2003 Graham's, the 1995 Smith Woodhouse, the 1994 Vesuvio, the 1985 Dow's and the 1980 Warre's. We had tasted the 2007's while on the 2009 Port Harvest Tour, and at that time, the Vesuvio was my favorite. However, last night, the Vesuvio didn't jump out as a clear favorite. I was also especting the 1994 Vesuvio to blow me away, but it didn't. I think Dominic thought the 1994 was not showing its best. I took some notes during the tasting, but having all of these ports in the last month has numbed my brain, so detailed posting notes may not be forthcoming. Of the older ports, I did not particularly like the 2003 Graham's. I did like the 1995 Smith Woodhouse (the 1977 was one of my favorites on the Port Harvest Tour), and I did enjoy the 1980 Warre's.

Marilyn

[Andy Velebil]

Marilyn,
Thanks for sharing the experience. As you got to try many 2007's on the trip, you can see how quickly some of these can change or show different than even a short time earlier. Of course decanting also has an effect and anyone that says a young VP doesn't need decanting is mistaken. I'm sorry to hear about the 1994 Vesuvio, as it's a great bottle. Next time we meet I'll have to crack one for you to try so you can see what all the fuss is about.

[Marilyn Eickenhorst]

As a follow up to my earlier post (and as Andy knows), with my new-found port knowledge, I asked if the ports had been decanted. I was told that the older ports had been (but not sure for how long). I was then told that the 2007's were not decanted "because they had just been bottled, so there was no sediment, and so no reason to decant". This was said before Dominic arrived.

Of interest, there were 50+ people who attended the tasting.

Marilyn

[Eric Menchen]

... I was then told that the 2007's were not decanted "because they had just been bottled, so there was no sediment, and so no reason to decant". This was said before Dominic arrived.

By whom? Sure, one reason to decant is to get the wine off the sediment, but that certainly isn't the only reason.

[Marilyn Eickenhorst]

Eric,

Surprisingly, the "no need to decant the 2007's" comment was made by Bear Dalton, the long-time wine buyer for Spec's in Houston, and a self-proclaimed lover of ports. Spec's is one of the largest retailers in the US.

Marilyn