Army and Navy botting--1963 Taylor?

[John Trombley]

I've seen an offer of this bottle, at about mid-neck, and with apparently good color, for $200. Any experience with the A and N bottlings of this usually great port? I notice that third-party bottlings of this wine have a tendency to be rated a few points lower than the Portugal bottlings. Thoughts?

[Bradley Bogdan]

I'm sure others here will chime in, but my general impression of all the notes shared here and on the other port forum is that Army and Navy is one of the more trusted bottlers to buy. You're right that some bottlers have much better reputations than others. $200 for that port in that condition sounds like an excellent deal to me, especially if you know it's been treated well.


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[John Trombley]

Thanks, Bradley. The only English bottler that I've had any experience with is the '70 Graham's, Whitwam's, and that was superb. I don't know much about the provenance of this bottle, but perhaps I can find out from the one who's offering it. It looks pretty good, but of course that is as may be.

[Andy Velebil]

I'm sure others here will chime in, but my general impression of all the notes shared here and on the other port forum is that Army and Navy is one of the more trusted bottlers to buy. You're right that some bottlers have much better reputations than others. $200 for that port in that condition sounds like an excellent deal to me, especially if you know it's been treated well.

Basically +1

[Bradley Bogdan]

Thanks, Bradley. The only English bottler that I've had any experience with is the '70 Graham's, Whitwam's, and that was superb. I don't know much about the provenance of this bottle, but perhaps I can find out from the one who's offering it. It looks pretty good, but of course that is as may be.

It's tough for a bottle to make it 50+ years with a fill into the neck if it's been treated poorly, but obviously if you're going to spend significant cash on a bottle, always do your homework .


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[Glenn E.]

I'm sure others here will chime in, but my general impression of all the notes shared here and on the other port forum is that Army and Navy is one of the more trusted bottlers to buy. You're right that some bottlers have much better reputations than others. $200 for that port in that condition sounds like an excellent deal to me, especially if you know it's been treated well.

Basically +1

+2

[Al B.]

Army & Navy were competent and capable bottlers who had a reputation in the UK for offering reliable and quality wines.

Time will have had its effect on the bottle so the quality of the bottler can't always be relied on, but it's a good start. I have had some excellent A&N bottles of port...and some disappointing ones.