For The Love Of Port

I've spent years forming relationships with wine retailers but I've learned that very few of the dealers that I've established these relationships with, carry much Port. Or more importantly, have a good selection of Vintage Port that has impeccable provenance.

I know of Sherry Lehmann here in NYC. They have a great selection and perfect storage but they also have some of the highest prices around. The Rare Wine Company seems to be king for old Madeira but their Port selection is tiny.

I guess I'm just looking to hear from you guys about your tried and true suppliers of Vintage port. Who are your favorite and most trusted sources?

I happen to like:

The Wine Club (SF)

WineXchange

Premier Cru

Flickinger

The Chicago Wine Co.

Golden West

Here's a short list of some of my favorite stores

The wine exchange

Flickenger

Premier Cru (but the wait is sometimes really long for pre-arrivals)

Chicago Wine Comp.

Thanks, I'm familiar with a few of these places. Looks like The Chicago Wine Co has some good stuff. I just sourced the 1977 Taylor on pre-order from Grapes: The wine Company here in NY. The owner sourced this partially for himself so I'm sure he looked for impeccable provenance. The price on his website is high but he gave me a good deal since I buy regularly.

What is it with Premier Cru's wait time? Have they ever officially tried to explain it considering that everyone I know who deals with them gives me the exact same warning.

Drink the Grapes? I had a horrible experience with them. If that's the place you're talking about, I'll PM you the details so that you know what to watch out for.

Glenn, no it's not them, this place is literally named "Grapes: The Wine Company". They are located in White Plains NY. Good place, really nice owner. back stock is temp controlled and the sales floor is always cool.

Eric,

They're not too far from Zachy's.

It is nice finally having an active NY'er around here for a change. I saw pics of Times Square and the surreal crowd tonight and it was almost like New Years Eve. The 2nd greatest city in the world.

For the longest time my office was on 48th and Broadway. That scene of Times Square was what I saw everyday during lunch. It's pretty cool being in that kind of crowd. But nothing beats coming out of a kitchen after a Saturday night service when the adrenalin is still pumping and finding yourself surrounded by the NYC night life. The only drawback is how crowded and overly priced all the wines bars are. These days I spend a lot of time in long Island and unfortunately there are far fewer wine retailers that I trust out in the Island. Westchester is great though.