NV Cockburn's Special Reserve Port

[Todd Pettinger]

Was alerted by Andy that the Cockburn's Special Reserve Port had at some point changed their juice dramatically, so I had to go out and find one to try for myself. Very impressive.

Thin body and with a bit of spirit on the nose, the palate is dominated by cherries, red berries and sweet grapes. Floral and fruity, this Po has undergone a tremendous transformation since I first tried it years ago and rated it a cooking port only. I could see myself drinking this on a semi regular basis... Might even rate good enough to be a daily drinker... Definitely a good introduction to a Ruby for someone who is just trying and getting into port... And the price can't be beat, even here in the land of insane prices.

Definitely a positive surprise!

[Andy Velebil]

Glad you liked this newer version!

[Roy Hersh]

I had this last week too. Very nice new package as well as the quality in the bottle.

[Glenn E.]

I got a taste from the new bottle this week, too. It's a very nice Reserve. I'll be the nay-sayer on the bottle, though... I'm not fond of it. I realize that a ruby reserve is not a Port that you'd normally cellar, but I can't help but imagine that those squared-off shoulders won't stack well in an offset 2-deep racking system. Like my fridges, for example.

Still... it's what's inside that counts, and they've done a great job with that part!

[Roy Hersh]

As you mentioned, there's no good reason to cellar these. It is still the number on selling Port in the world. Will the upgrade in design of the label and bottle help or hurt? I assume the Symingtons did their homework before releasing this. Nonetheless, I agree what really counts with a Reserve Ruby is the quality of the juice and there, I think the new version trumps the old one, which I felt was quite good.