Tête-à-tête: Graham's Six Grapes vs. Noval Black

[Roy Hersh]

Here are two of the top Reserve Ruby Ports and I am wondering if you have a favorite or preference or have ever tried these head to head?

If you prefer one or the other, please do tell us why.

I have included this as a poll too, just out of curiosity, so please vote ONLY if you have had both of these fine Ports.

[John M.]

Both are great rubies. But the Black takes the honors in my book (I like Fonseca Bin 27, too)

[Eric Ifune]

I think the Noval has a bit more richness.

[Gary Richardson]

I had the Six Grapes a few years ago and was not a fan. The Noval Black, though, is a nice ruby. I'll have to go back and try the Six Grapes again to see if my opinion has changed.

-- Gary

[Andy Velebil]

That's like asking a parent which child they like better

[Glenn E.]

I prefer Six Grapes. I just find it more luscious and fruity. The Noval is too tart and "red" for me.

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[Derek T.]

I like both, but I think the Black is a bit too youthful for immediate drinking, which is what these Ports are supposed to be.

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[Marc J.]

I enjoy both of them, but I'd give the edge to Noval Black.

[Melanie R.]

This reminds me that I've yet to try the Noval. Six Grapes was the first Port I ever tasted, and I was smitten.

[Mahmoud Ali]

I've not tried the Noval Black but have enjoyed the Fonseca Bin 27, Warre's Warrior, and Graham's Six Grapes. Each were very good for their style but I believe their reputations go up and down over the years for reasons of quality, fashion and taste. I suppose a tasting comparison would be an interesting excercise.

Cheers....................Mahmoud

[Roy Hersh]

Andy wrote:

That's like asking a parent which child they like better

All one has to do is peruse the TNDB to know which one you prefer. It seems like there is a pretty significant point spread in your reviews of these two particular Ports.

[Andy Velebil]

Andy wrote:

That's like asking a parent which child they like better

All one has to do is peruse the TNDB to know which one you prefer. It seems like there is a pretty significant point spread in your reviews of these two particular Ports.

Yes, but as much as I love the Black, I still have a soft spot for Six Grapes. But alas if I was forced to pick just one, based on score I'd go with Black and based on love I'd go with Graham's.

[Roy Hersh]

OK, we'll leave love out of this and try to get a straight answer. If you were given the option to be able to only choose one of these two Ports (which we know you score BLACK several points higher ... assume you think it is better; but "love" the Six Grapes for all the sentimental reasons ) which one would you choose? Also, which one did you vote for above?

[Andy Velebil]

OK, we'll leave love out of this and try to get a straight answer. If you were given the option to be able to only choose one of these two Ports (which we know you score BLACK several points higher ... assume you think it is better; but "love" the Six Grapes for all the sentimental reasons ) which one would you choose? Also, which one did you vote for above?

I gotta admit, it wasn't an easy choice, but I had to vote for Black.

[Roy Hersh]

Well my friend, that must have seemed like a bad trip to the dentist.

Don't worry, no emails have come in from the Symingtons ... yet.

[Carl D]

We just finished up a bottle of Noval Black - I'd have to say it's by far our favorite Ruby. We've had a few bottles of Six Grapes over the years, but none recently. A side-by-side would be interesting - maybe with the next bottle of Black we'll give it a try.

[Roy Hersh]

Carl,

I am going to do the side-by-side test myself and might just include a few other Reserve Ruby Ports too, so that when I taste them blind, it will be less obvious. I may even do this with a panel of local Port enthusiasts.

I hope you and others will do these two side by side. Whether looking or blind, it will be an interesting experiment. Nothing like doing this blind to provide the fairest way to measure the qualitative characteristics of each Port.

[Eric Menchen]

Just opened a Broadbent Auction Reserve and it had me wondering how it would compare.

[Glenn E.]

I like the Broadbent Auction Reserve and think it can hold its own very well against the "big boys" in this category.

I can tell that the Noval Black is a very good reserve Port, but it just isn't my style. I like both Six Grapes and Auction Reserve better.

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[Derek T.]

I am going to do the side-by-side test myself and might just include a few other Reserve Ruby Ports too, so that when I taste them blind, it will be less obvious. I may even do this with a panel of local Port enthusiasts.

Interesting idea. Perhaps we could organise a cross-Atlantic tasting where we pick six Ruby Reserves that are available in both markets and organise blind tastings in London and Seattle on the same date?