For The Love Of Port

Another thread, made it sound like only the really top Ports, Madeira etc. is being discussed here anymore and I guess that it's natural for people to want to share their more decadent experiences. However, most of us are not drinking bottles of 75 year old Port or 150 year old Madeira every day, or week or even monthly.

So let's get back to basics and talk about the best <$25 bottle of Port you've had recently or in the last 12 months.

I'll go with the Noval Black, it's the one I've been impressed the most for it's QPR.

Quinta do Crasto 2004 LBV. It was the WOTN at a port gathering last September--only paid $16/bottle. My score was a 97--maybe a bit generous but is was outstanding.

Honorable mention to Noval Black ($21) and Dows Trademark Finest Reserve ($14). The Black we all know about---the Dows surprised me and for the price is a good value. Sometime I'd like to do a Ruby tasting: Black, Bin 27, Six Grapes, Dows Trademark, Cockburns Reserve, Niepoort, Churchill & Quinta de la Rosa, etc. Think that would be a lot of fun for stuff we drink regularly.

The worst I had is Brotherhood Ruby Port ($9).

Warre's Warrior or Graham's Crusted Port 2002(it was on special in the local supermarket for the equivalent of $20)

The best QPR I've had for under $25 has to be the Quinta do Portal 20-yr old that Sandy discovered and posted for us. A 20-yr old for $19? Sign me up! The Portal just beats out a case of 1985 Churchill Vintage Port that I've been working through... got that case for $26.50/bottle.

But as far as Ports that normally cost $25 or less, I still have to go with my old standby the 2003 Taylor LBV. It's tough to beat!

2003 Quevedo LBV, at two for $25!

It's tough to get a VP for that price here in Europe (except for GB maybe). But I bought a bottle of 2000 Calem VP this spring for €16,50 ($ 24), just to try and it was drinking very well. It's a house which is not discussed here a lot, but at that price its very recommended. I did buy some more to follow over the years.

Forgot about that deal on the Portal 20 yo. Too bad that's not a regular price!

Alves de Sousa "Caldas" White Port
1996 Quevedo Colheita
1995 Dow Crusted

Moses Botbol wrote:1996 Quevedo Colheita

That was my second choice.

Monique Heinemans. wrote:But I bought a bottle of 2000 Calem VP this spring for €16,50 ($ 24), just to try and it was drinking very well. It's a house which is not discussed here a lot, but at that price its very recommended.

Price is when buying any Calem.

I could say a lot things, but won't.

Now now I'll stick my neck out and say the Calem 10 Year Old tawny was one of my favorite 10s when visiting Porto. A number of factors may have contributed to that, but I've still liked it with a few subsequent tastings; and it also was less than $25.

Oops Moses, it's probably my lack of experience and less developed taste in port, but I really don't think it's a bad Vp
I know too there are a lot much more better ones, but as the question was under $25 a bottle, I unfortunately can't vote for a Foseca, Taylor's or Graham, etc. At least not in my country were even most LBV's and crusted ports are more expensive.
I hope one day to travell to Portugal and participate in a lot of tastings to improve my knowledge and find out what my palate is looking for, (maybe some day participate in one of Roy's tours and meet some of you?), but as for now I'll have to do with what it is...

But I do read a lot of your comments on this forum and learn about port from you every day, so thank you nontheless!

Monique.

Monique Heinemans. wrote:Oops Moses, it's probably my lack of experience and less developed taste in port, but I really don't think it's a bad Vp
I know too there are a lot much more better ones, but as the question was under $25 a bottle

Calem has such a reputation like an open door to make a comment. I am sure I was not the first reader ready or think about a witty response. Please take my earlier reply in jest.

Look for Delaforce 10 year tawny for a good deal. In the US, it's call "His Eminence Choice" and I think you'll enjoy Quevedo's line up for both LBV and Tawny at under $25.

Of course Moses, I do understand and appreciate a joke!

, Monique.

I think the Quevedo pricing is very solid AND inexpensive given the qualityy of the products!

Late to the party, but off the top of my head I'd say the '95 Smith-Woodhouse LBV at $24.99. It's as good as many VPs I've had and is drinking seamlessly right now. Beautiful stuff.

The Quevedo have been some fantastic Ports for the prices, there's no arguing that.

In the Ruby Reserve category, I'd say Noval's Black is also a fantastic value for an easy to find Port. Although the newer bottlings of Cockburn's Special Reserve are also a good deal for a Port that can be found in most supermarkets.

For a filtered LBV, I'd say the 2003 Taylor's LBV was a great deal on one of the best LBV's from them in a while.

Moses Botbol wrote:

Monique Heinemans. wrote:But I bought a bottle of 2000 Calem VP this spring for €16,50 ($ 24), just to try and it was drinking very well. It's a house which is not discussed here a lot, but at that price its very recommended.

Price is when buying any Calem.

I could say a lot things, but won't.

Calem port is good value when there is not a lot of choice on the shelves. Kopke can be good too.

You're not talking about the Velhotes are you Bob?