For The Love Of Port

That is a great and thought provoking article and a very interesting read, as has been the discussion which followed on.

JacobH wrote:Equally, Port is not really the sort of wine whose prestige value is easy exploitable, as, unlike table-wines, you can’t really order a trophy bottle of it at a restaurant...

I would beg to differ with this suggestion. The restaurant where we will be meeting in London on Friday (possibly with Jacob, depending on his plans) has a wine list which includes many recent vintages that are on offer for modest and reasonable prices (say $20-40 above retail) and which also includes a trophy bottle for anyone who wishes to impress their companions with ostentatious displays of wealthy consumption.

The "trophy bottle" is Quinta do Noval Nacional 1963 for GBP 2,800 for the bottle. At that price, which is not unreasonable for a restaurant, it is up in the realm of top end bordeaux and would be perfect for the person with little knowledge but much wealth to demonstrate how much money they have. But can you imagine the sacrilege and horror to a port lover of being in the restaurant and seeing the Nacional 1963 being served on a "pop 'n' pour" basis. This is a port that can benefit from 24 hours in a decanter.

Incidentally, anyone in London this Friday (July 11) and free in the evening would be welcome to bring a bottle of port and join us. Drop me a PM for details if interested.

Al B. wrote:Incidentally, anyone in London this Friday (July 11) and free in the evening would be welcome to bring a bottle of port and join us. Drop me a PM for details if interested.

Raise a glass to me and my wife, as July 11th is our anniversary. I will do the same at dinner to honor friends new and old who we have known throughout the years!

Roy Hersh wrote:Personally, I hope the Chinese marketplace never catches on to Vintage Port. Yes, that is a selfish view, but within no time, all old stocks of VP would disappear and the prices paid for even 1994-2003 VPs would skyrocket. Who wants or needs that to happen? Quinta do Vesuvio 2015 VP on release for $120.00 could become a quick reality and I just don't want Port to go the way of many other wines.

Let me at least get to 100 cases before the port explosion! :hello:

Glenn E. wrote: Raise a glass to me and my wife, as July 11th is our anniversary. I will do the same at dinner to honor friends new and old who we have known throughout the years!

Glenn,

Congratulations to you and your wife I hope you have a wonderful anniversary this year and many many more in years to come.


p.s. don't forget to add your tasting notes after

Let me at least get to 100 cases before the port explosion!

Don't let that big screen TV purchase get in the way.