What have you opened this week?

[Glenn E.]

I was shocked at how well the Dalva showed being bottled so long ago. I assume it had a decent amount of white grapes in it as the perceived acidity was still very high.

That's weird to me, because I bought one of those - I think around the same time you did, though maybe not because mine was bottled in 1972? - and then opened it to celebrate the new year 2021 after I'd had it for about 4 months. I gave it 91 points and IIRC I was the most generous. It was pleasant, but there just wasn't much there.

[Eric Ifune]

I liked that 1973 from Dirk. Not great, but way better than expected.

[A.S. Demka]

1985 Fonseca Vintage
Cork ok, no leakage. Brownish, like tawny, almost dark gold but slightly cloudy. Wrong bottle that ended down the sinck two hours after decanting...

[Mike J. W.]

1985 Fonseca Vintage
Cork ok, no leakage. Brownish, like tawny, almost dark gold but slightly cloudy. Wrong bottle that ended down the sinck two hours after decanting...

What a shame. That's definitely a bad bottle. They're in a great spot right now so I hope you have another one to try.

[A.S. Demka]

Thanks for your sympathy, Mike.
Luckily I have a few more in my cellar, from three different sources/auctions, which increases the chance that this bottle was a one-timer.

[Eric Ifune]

DR 2008 White Colheita.

[Mike J. W.]

Quinta Santa Eufemia 20 y.o. Tawny (375ml bottle). Pleasant, middle of the road tawny.

[Thomas V]

50YO Maynard's
1982 Andresen Colheita

I've had the '82 Andresen Colheita before (it's good), but how was the 50YO Maynard's?

I really like it. It has a nimble and lean structure, a bit surprising for a 50YO. But it does not hold back on the palate with loads of brown sugar, burnt caramel and toffee but a nice acidic backbone to keep the sweetness in check. A long aftertaste. It is delightful and something you should give a go if you get the chance. I am in the 93-94 point range for it. It does also cost a pretty penny. But not unreasonable. They come in 0.375 format which makes it manageable.

I opened a Graham's 2012 LBV this week. Juicy stuff

[Al B.]

Fonseca 1977 - OMG! A good bottle of this Port is indescribably good. I wish I had many more bottles.

[Andy Velebil]

Fonseca 1977 - OMG! A good bottle of this Port is indescribably good. I wish I had many more bottles.

Sadly you really don’t want more bottles. It’s maybe 50/50 if you get a great one or a not great one. But when it shines, it really shines.

[LOUISSS J]

Fonseca 1977 - OMG! A good bottle of this Port is indescribably good. I wish I had many more bottles.

Sadly you really don’t want more bottles. It’s maybe 50/50 if you get a great one or a not great one. But when it shines, it really shines.

I once drank a 1977 and although it was very very good I don't think it was exceptional. in comparison I once drank a 1970 Fonseca and it was excellent (better than the 1977)... I have ONE 1970 left that I will drink during the holidays!

[Roy Hersh]

The last 1970 Fonseca I opened was a magnum, last April (2022) my last big Port event before leaving the USA. And ... it was corked. I owned it since the 1990's. Very painful to say the least.

[Mike J. W.]

1985 Burmester VP.

[Mike J. W.]

2000 Broadbent LBV. Produced and bottled by Quinta Do Crasto.

[Andy Velebil]

The last 1970 Fonseca I opened was a magnum, last April (2022) my last big Port event before leaving the USA. And ... it was corked. I owned it since the 1990's. Very painful to say the least.

That was painful!

[Eric Ifune]

DR 20 year old.

[Lucas S]

Offley Regular White Port
Felt run-of-the-mill and a bit bitter yesterday but after leaving it in the fridge overnight, today it's a good honey nectar.

[Al B.]

Graham Crusted, bottled 2002. Surprised me by still being a fruit-fest with not a lot of complexity yet in the wine. I’m sure the complexity will develop eventually, but why wait?

[Mike J. W.]

2003 Niepoort VP in a half-bottle. First time trying this and it's a lovely Port. Juicy, fresh and eminently drinkable.

[Eric Menchen]

1994 Taylor
1994 Fonseca
1994 Noval (Two bottles. First was bad. Second was only a little better.)
1994 Vesuvio
1994 Warre
1994 Niepoort
1994 Burmester
1994 Smith-Woodhouse
1994 Smith-Woodhouse LBV
1994 Heitz Port (O.k., not a real Port, but that's what the label said.)
1994 Martinez
1994 Quinta do Crasto
1994 Graham (brought by friends)
1994 Dow (brought by Stewart)
1994 Churchill
1994 Delaforce
1994 Romariz