For The Love Of Port

There is a very fine buyer's opportunity (for subscribers only) that will be offered in the next newsletter. Six of the top 1977 Vintage Ports will be offered in OWC or by the bottle, at reasonable prices, but excellent provenance. If you are in the market for some older VP's this is the one you've been waiting for. Still finalizing the negotiations and logistics, but from where I sit, I think you will all be VERY happy. Not a subscriber ... get on board before this one launches!

Will it be available to those in the UK?

Sure, but you will have to be able to figure out a way (with the help of the seller) of how to get it shipped from the USA to the UK. We don't have the "in bond" or VAT to deal with either. But there will be some forms which will need to be filled out.

Way to go!

Can't wait to see what is available and what is affordable

Roy “the Pusher” Hersh wrote:There is a very fine buyer's opportunity (for subscribers only) that will be offered in the next newsletter. Six of the top 1977 Vintage Ports will be offered in OWC or by the bottle ...

The financial markets have been slammed for the last two weeks, which really doesn't bode well for being able to free up some cash; but 1977 has really treated me well, so I will see what I can do.

Understandable and my following comment is not directed at you or anyone in particular.

Buying Port is a bit like declaring Port. When opPORTunities arise, one must take advantage of them.

A case in point: in the midst of the worst economic downturn in eighty years, the 2007 Vintage Ports were declared in early-mid 2009, when the world's banking structure was teetering on the brink. Nonetheless, the Port trade realized that although this may not be the greatest time for a declaration, they had the guts and smarts to understand that the quality was there and even if the VP's did not sell right away, they'd be very happy to have this fine vintage for sale when times improved. They looked down the road and not just at the current quarter or even year. That vision is what helps keep the Port business viable through upswings and down markets too. They take a long term approach.

I view purchasing Port the exact same way. If the provenance is great and prices are very solid for older bottles from a great vintage, (which become harder to find in pristine condition) no less OWC's, then it is the smart buyer that frees up some liquid assets to purchase them.

looking forward to seeing what it is!!

I am so sorry the newsletter has been delayed due to my Fair nonsense. No excuses though. As of tomorrow, I can get back to finishing it off. The "deal" for the 1977 Vintage Ports has been struck and I am confident now that you will be happy with the pricing and arrangements that are set up. Shipping anytime you want it, US or overseas, up to you. Buy more ... pay less to ship, or even free with multi-cases. Anyway, more to come in less than a week ... hopefully by this weekend if possible.

Roy, thanks for the deal. I think the prices are more than fair, unfortunately I could not swallow taking on more than a case to get that shipping discount, but I am looking forward to recieving my order!

The seller emailed me on Monday afternoon and said he was more than 95% sold out of those 35 cases already and expected to be done by the end of the day if not Tuesday morning. Amazing!

Roy Hersh wrote:The seller emailed me on Monday afternoon and said he was more than 95% sold out of those 35 cases already and expected to be done by the end of the day if not Tuesday morning. Amazing!

Wow. That's quite impressive. Is FTLOP his only selling channel right now?

Roy Hersh wrote:The seller emailed me on Monday afternoon and said he was more than 95% sold out of those 35 cases already and expected to be done by the end of the day if not Tuesday morning. Amazing!

I just called him to confirm that he received my email, and he said that he'd received it and reserved my order. He also said he was amazed by the response.

We're a thirsty bunch, aren't we?

Thirsty for stuff we can drink now. I recently bought a bunch of 1977 Warres and Smith Woodhouse, otherwise I'd be kicking myself for not placing an order.

I guess that's the case, people really seemed to jump all over this stuff. I think there were still a few cases left (total), but that was Monday.

I was able to get a case on Wednesday morning, but he was out of GC (I was trying to get some of each).

I went back for 6 more, so I could get the shipping deal. I need some drinkers...

bottles shipped. they all needed a bit of a cleaning...

The 7 fonseca look in great shape just one bottle to the bottom, and perhaps slight seepage, all other corks and caps look great.
the 4 grahams as well, reasonable low neck levels, corks and capsules seem in reasonable shape.
the 7 taylors though all look horrible. Signs of seepage, mid shoulder to low, was very worried so I popped one (cork was leaked right through and extremely tapered off, probably low humidity storage indicative of a Montana basement where these came from, capsule was also clearly full of dried up sticky port). I decanted quickly, cleaned bottle sediment out and rebottled and vacuum corked after taking one glass. Let the glass sit for bit...it showed OK. Port is one tough cookie. Hope the rest show at least as well, but I am sure not all 6 will...disappointing. Certainly no where near mint conditions as indicated in the newsletter. I am thinking about trying to send the 6 remaining back....

Russ,
Very sorry to hear that. Let us know how things turn out if you decide to return them.

I think I'm in the same boat as Russ. I picked up a case of the Taylor and most of the corks are pushed a bit and some of the bottles have seepage. I didn't check fill levels yet. Disappointing, but I haven't tried them yet. I plan to let them sit a day or two after traveling (just got them yesterday) and then see how the worst looking one shows.

I am truly sorry to hear this and that is NOT what I was told or shown by Ryan. I will get in touch with him to see what recorse there is. I appreciate you letting us know, but before I get in touch am wondering if either of you got in touch with Ryan directly? for bringing this to my attention.