Half bottles: are they relevant?

[Robert O.]

The only port I have found in the 500mL format is the Warre Otima 10 yr. tawny. I agree that 500ml might be the perfect size

[Andy Velebil]

I know Rocha did their 2000 VP in 500ml bottles, as I picked up a couple a number of years ago. I have no idea if they are still doing it, or if it was a one time thing.

[Alex K.]

Are they relevant? Of course. I would like more half bottles as I don't tend to kill a whole bottle on my own, although I will kill more than one in company. I find the 0.5l to be slightly annoying and end up leaving a litle or saying "sod it" and polishing it off before bed when I didn't really want to.

[Todd Pettinger]

I have found Noval's Special Reserve (Ruby) in 50cL format here in Canada. WAY overpriced... that is the evil of the 500 mL bottle - a lot of times you end up overpaying for a wine because it is more than a half and less than a full bottle (in volume) but the price typically approaches the low end of the full bottle (or is priced the same as a full bottle, were it available.)

I think retailers would like that format size... great for profits.

Todd

[Alex K.]

I am perfectly happy with the cuteness of the Warre's Otima bottles, apart from the above greed-sobriety continuum anomoly above. The other bottles that I've seen like this are the Gilbert's G-plan stuff, which is a bit junky but pretty cheap.

[JacobH]

In terms of 500ml bottles, apart from the Warre's Optima (where, rather unimpressive, the 500ml bottle is “hidden” inside a box…) and, now the “Pink Port”, I was also thinking of the Delaforce Colheitas, which are, I believe, mostly sold in the 500ml. It also seems a bit more common in the Madeira market (especially the lower end, where I have to confess I operate), which does strike me as a bit odd considering how long Madeira can last opened!

-Jacob

[Derek T.]

Drinking a 750 alone could cause some of the Port to get over its peak by the time you are finished

I am unfamiliar with this phenomenon :twisted:

Todd, you just need more practice

Derek

[Andy Velebil]

I was thinking the same thing

[Glenn E.]

I just ordered a 375 of the '57 Kopke Colheita, which was the only way I was going to find it at a price I could rationalize. So I believe I have discovered a very good purpose for the splits - to enable people to try exceptional vintages that they might not otherwise be able to afford.

The only bottle I've paid more for (so far) are my twin '94 Fonsecas. I don't think I'd buy a 375 to lay down, but for something that's ready to consume now (like the '57 Kopke) I can now see another reason for them to exist.

[Roy Hersh]

Glenn,

This makes a ton of sense. Along with Fred's comment about using half bottles to check up on young VPs without having to "waste" a full 750 to do so, I see that these two points are excellent.