Hi,
This port generally comes from good wines, I bought many bottles at Vino Logia Bar in Oporto, the Churchill's 1998.
From Crusted port, I know only that it is a special category for british consumers, becoming an alternative between L.B.V and Vintage, crust means sediment but which is the real history regarding Crusted port ?
Thanks,
Gilles.
End of september 2005, I was in Oporto & Douro valley with a heavenly programme devised by Mrs Ema Pinto from A.E.V.P (in french). I met enthusiast and exciting people, I tasted over 80 ports. This travel was a revelation. I am ready to learn more...
Crusted Port has always been an English passion and they've looked at this Port as a great bargain. It is far better than Reserva (which used to be Vintage Character) and even Unfiltered LBVs are usually not in the same class, in terms of complexity. IMO, with limited tasting experience of less than ten bottles of Crusted Port in my life, Crusted Port is the closest thing to Vintage Port. It does not make its way to the US often and really only Dow is a serious player having re-introduced the category in the past few years. There are other sightings of Crusted in the USA, but nothing like what can be found in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
I like Dows Crusted (its way better than their LBV, which is nothing to write home about) and would like to try other Crusted Ports - I know Churchill and Graham each make one. Have their been any other Crusted Port sightings in the USA? (Perhaps I can track it down through a distributor.)
Unless there is some really good reason, why would you spend the time and effort when if you are looking for QPR Ports or everyday quaffing opPORTunities, there are so many great values in Vintage Port out there. I had $25 VP that is great stuff in the marketplace advertised. Paul N. also is showing some fine VPs for sale, etc. Look there before you waste too much time with the elusive Crusted Ports on this continent which are few and far between, and rarely excellent drinking Ports.
Sadly, some amazing buys go by the wayside on our Port & Madeira Marketplace Forum. I have seen some pretty incredibly offerings. Then again, I have posted a few, myself.
In all seriousness Peter, there are a lot of great Port bargains out there these days. I was told about Niepoort 2003, earlier in the week at $39.99 a bottle, I kid you not! I actually saw the offering from a company I respect. Keep your eyes open.
What is great is that we all seem to be willing to share here ... whereas I have seen other spots where people only mention great deals, after they've bought the last bottle. Nice!
AFAIK, only Dow, Graham and Churchill market a Crusted Port at the moment - which does not mean that other houses may be toying with the idea ( FI, Niepoort bottled a 1998 Crusted, but did not release it).
Graham's is not my favourite house, but IMHO they do make the best Crusted out there, and over here it is about the same price as their LBV - and a MUCH better buy.
