For The Love Of Port

There's a Grahams Malvedos staring at me from the wine rack. I was going to place this in the wine fridge until the cool weather comes back but summer seems to have passed the UK by !!
Any thoughts on whether this is ready to go ? (my hunch is yes)

And suggestions on decant times would be useful.

Thanks all.

Ray

Ray a very tasty SQVP..here is my last TN of it from 03/01/06

1996 Graham Porto Vintage Quinta dos Malvedos

A wonderful Single Quinta Vintage Port. Nose of plums and blackberries. The color got noticably darker with time. Great fruit flavors that coated the mouth and a long finish. This was decanted for 8 hours before drinking. It needed this long to integrate and for the heat to blow off. This port is very young and needs at least 5 years more in the cellar. Will age nicely for at least another 10-15 years. 93 points

Thanks Andy.
On the basis of that TN I may hold off for a while.

You might check out my note on the 1995 Malvedos posted almost simultaneously with yours. I have not had the 96 but I would expect the consistent quality. Buy a case and try a couple and lay down the rest!

Please post a tasting note or impression as this is a significant year for me that I haven't been able to get a few good bottles for.

Raj,

That '96 Malvedos is a very good SQVP and worthy of a buy. You won't be let down...just give it a long decant if you open one soon.

Raj,
Ray,

The '96 Malvedos (and the '96 Vargellas) are both wines that are easily available in the UK at the moment - it seems to be the vintage of choice offered by the supermarkets right now.

But I can only echo Andy's comments. To my taste this wine is still very young and has the guts and stuffing to go on improving in the bottle for at least another 5-10 years. I did not greatly enjoy the last one I opened a few weeks ago as it was a bit "awkward" with the acid , fruit and tannins out of balance with each other for my preferences.

However, I have a few of these in my cellar and I am happy that they are there. I fully expect to open one in 5 years and get a great deal of enjoyment from it, more enjoyment than if I opened it now.

But its still a great idea to try and buy a couple now with one being opened and drunk and the other bring tucked away and forgotten for 5 years.

Alex

Ray,

If you ever need a hand to drink it, please let me know. :)

Nicos

It's a deal Nicos,
but let's make sure neither of us has to run for a train !
(though driving after a bottle of Port is beyond either of us )

haven't found any 1996 malvedos in the denver area, but saw a 95 I'm thinking about - heard it was a good one to try.

Absolutely go for the 95.

Thanks Ray I'll have to go Pick it up.