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The White Flight, the bookends are from Portugal. On the left an extraordinary young Reserva from Casa de Coelheira and the Special Reserve by Casa de Sta. Eufemia. Both really excellent wines. I can't ignore the fab pair in the middle either, French and California gems.

ANA CARDOSO PINTO@ Quinta do Pinto, Lisboa wine region.

After a fun evening in Odense, we had a memorable dessert with these four stellar Ports.

Time to sneak in an old bottle of Madeira!

While visiting Quinta de la Rosa.

The doctor recommends: DR PORTS

Sophie's Choice!I guess it all depends on your mood.A nearly 60 year old Port or a great Moscatel de Setubal?

Sogevinus' Tania Branco, the price of fame!

QUADROPHENIA ,,, the personalities of 1994.

It has been too long since I've tasted more than just a single bottle of Churchill's.Vintage Port. Here are some very early vintages from that company.

The Vintage House Hotel in the heart of Pinhão, next to the train station in the center of town, is undergoing a major facelift this year, adding a handful of new guest rooms and upgrading the decor package throughout. At harvest time we will have to visit and check out the new digs and at the very least, stay for a great wine dinner there!

Extra credit for anyone who recognizes where this photo was taken, of this painting with grape treading.

Calèm Port wine ... they've been making fine Ports for 157 years!

1983 RAMOS PINTO is a Vintage Port that most serious Port collectors already have in their private cellars.

Time for some excellent Douro wines and this producer, Quinta do Vallado, has been making exceptional Touriga Nacional for years now. I still have most of my case from 2007 because it is still drinking so young. The 2011 was amazing, but I am not so sure that 2012 isn't every bit as great. At some point, I'll have to try them side-by-side.

The most fun you can have standing up. Part of our 2015 Port Harvest crew, treading grapes in one of the lagares at Quinta do Noval.

"Ooooh that smell. Can't you smell that smell?" The caramelized perfume of 14 of 30 bottles of old and ancient bottles for this weekend's "FTLOP Madeirathon" ... they've been decanting since Monday. I love hanging out down here; but so hard not to dive in!

Call any grape in the Douro; 24/7.

Bairrada produces excellent Loureiro as well, in this case the 2010 Eminencia by Colinas de São Lourenço, Lda. a very well made Espumante. The Loureiro grape, it is not just famous in Vinho Verde anymore.

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Real Companhia Velha's, Quinta das Carvalhas. A view from the Rio Douro.

Have you tried the Ports and Douro wines of Quinta da Devesa?A gorgeous property a stone's throw from Vallado, so many fine treasures to explore while visiting!

Simply put, this is one of the greatest Tawny Ports ever made, and it's sold at a price that is actually affordable. S. Leonardo's Old Tawny Port is more than 60 years of age, but the nectar in the bottle tastes significantly older. An amazing Port in one of the coolest packages ever!

Quinta do Vallado's excellent Douro wines were well known. Our PHT2 group learned that the Ports at Vallado are outstanding too. Winemaker Francisco S. Ferreira, provided a fine tutored tasting. We then spent time in the vineyards with incredible views and had a chance to witness the harvesting of grapes up close and personal. Then came lunch and Vallado's extraordinary lineup of Douro wines. A great day for all of us!

The spinal column of the Douro.

Ready for the challenge!

Temptation.Quinta de Linhares prepared an extensive spread of petiscos before dinner. Eating light in Portugal! ;)

Some of the Ports we tasted during our visit to Quinta do Tedo. They just keep getting better every year.

Ana Almeida is smart, energetic and passionate about the Port and Douro wines of Quinta do Noval. Here, she explained the operation of robotic lagares to our guests. A class act!

One of the greatest innovators in Madeira wine today!

The Burmester Lodge is well placed and an incredible first look at a Port lodge, located directly next to the bridge that takes you from Porto to Gaia. But the treasures inside are what make this such a great visit ... that and the fantastic people from Sogevinus who will look after you. A must visit!

"Move-in-ready".Tempting!?!?!

Life is good! Relaxing on the Douro and taking it all in with a great view and unique perspective from the water, looking up at the monumental quintas and vineyards of the greater Douro Valley.NSR = No selfie required.

FUN with FORTIFIEDS:Last night, a group of friends came over to enjoy these bottles of Madeira. Tonight I am presenting a Port event for a group of 20 individuals that I've never met before. In 2017, they will be joining us in Portugal to see Douro up close and personal.

The exquisite Douro foliage at harvest time.

Which Port with this?

Gravity fed grapes. ;)

Horacio Simoes, an outstanding producer of Moscatel de Setubal, exemplified in the bottle shown. Horacio Simões, um produtor excepcional de Moscatel de Setúbal, exemplificado na garrafa mostrado.

Ricardo Diogo Freitas, the master of Madeira at Vinhos Barbeito, creating a special blend from a variety of components, for us to taste.

On the island of Porto Santo, (part of Madeira's archipelago) this mostly wind-blown barren land has some interesting areas with vines that produce some unique grape varieties with different character than anything else I've experienced. Some possess similar qualities to Madeira, but also contrasting distinctions too. Here we were tasting directly from some older casks that remain part of a family's treasure.

Reflections of the Douro River.

Old school classic.

One can never own enough of this incredible, young Vintage Port!

Looking at Gaia from Porto.

A throwback to a time for winemaking nearly 2 centuries ago.

Carlos Raposo is producing some excellent wines along with Dirk Niepoort. A very talented and dynamic duo. Carlos deserves a lot of credit for his part!

Near Câmara de Lobos on the south-central coast of the island of Madeira. You can see small parcels of vineyards amongst the homes and gardens.

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Like a Douro fingerprint.

99 barrels of wine on the floor, 99 barrels of wine ...

Mario "Madeira lover" Ferreira is about to "blind" taste this new release by Vinhos Barbeito. It is about to get REAL!

Next Tuesday in San Diego, 36 people will attend a seminar in which I will be presenting these half dozen Vintage Ports. We will compare and contrast the unique characteristics of Grahams and Fonseca from the three excellent vintages shown, from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

I have always been a fan of the beautiful azulejos found all over Portugal. Here is a great story by Kay Bouchard, co-owner of Quinta do Tedo, regarding the newly installed tiles at their quinta.

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REVERENCE in the Douro.

Leitão assado à Bairrada, (roast suckling pig of Bairrada).You only have to try this once ... to fall in love with this dish!But once you've tried it, you'll always want to come back to the Bairrada region for more. It truly is better here!

Mario Fernandes, co-owner and winemaker @ Fajã dos Padres, on the south coast of the island of Madeira.

1900 Wiese & Krohn in great shape.

Maria Serpa Pimentel Côrte-Real, the winemaker at Quinta da Pacheca. Along with her brother José, they have a beautiful hotel on this winery property and very good meals that are perfect to show the quality of their Ports and table wines.

A comprehensive Madeira tasting, back to 1850 at D'Oliveira.

Wines from a recent dinner for a friend visitng from Porto.

Tânia Branco Oliveira of Sogevinus, is an expert on Ports produced by Barros, Gilberts, Calem, Rocha, Burmester and Kopke. She has one sharp memory and a great palate too, besides the patience to teach those looking to learn more!

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Over the past 15 years, I've had a chance to spend time with the owners (Vincent and Kay Bouchard) and their extraordinary winemaker (Jorge Alves) of Quinta do Tedo. Not only is it always a great privilege to visit their property, one with a spectacular setting and enjoy their hospitality, but both Ports and Douro wines are rivaling some of the best examples of what is produced across the region!

Another recent basics of Port tasting "seminar" held for a group looking to visit Portugal.

A Douro Dozen12 bottles, 18 people introduced to Douro wines at dinner. Perfection!

The inimitable DOMINIC SYMINGTON, during our Port Harvest Tour 1, this year.

The incredible natural beauty of the Douro!

Some of the older vintages of Port in the cellar of FERREIRA.

Our Port Harvest Tour 1 group had a reunion this weekend in Seattle and here were some dinner wines before we had a significant Port (and Madeira) tasting.

Having fun on the Douro on a warm and sunny afternoon!

1944 Dalva "Port of the Vintage", a fine Colheita. Have you ever seen a Port bottle shaped like this?

My last bottle of 1974 Quinta do Noval Colheita was opened on Saturday night. #Winelover.

Our FTLOP reunion for our Port Harvest Tour gang was going to be a casual affair; but turned out to include a mighty fine selection of Vintage Ports beginning with a 1960 Quinta do Noval and ending with a fantastic bottle of 1964 Blandy's Bual. Thanks to all guests who flew in from afar, and our host, Tom des Brisay.

The Grape Harvest or Autumn'Francisco de Goya'

A whole lotta cork.

What is the BEST Moscatel you have ever had from this fine producer in Setubal?

A recent stash of wood-aged Ports.

A good way to start the weekend?

The day I arrived in Porto, I was just walking around the city taking photos and a group of young "entrepreneurs" comes up to me to take part in their fun. Worth a few Euros, right? Maybe it was my hat and shirt that told them I'd be a real sucker for this?

In this photo you can clearly see both Portugal and Spain, the latter of which is less than a tee shot from where I was standing. This is the vineyard in front of the great Vinho Verde producer, SOALHEIRO in Melgaço, a northern Portugal town of less than 10,000 citizens; with a Mayor, whose last name is also Soalheiro!

Preparing for my presentation of Douro wines in Edmonton recently.

And here was our all-star "Douro Boys" lineup, plus Soalheiro as a starter. Wishing you all a fabulous Thanksgiving Day, for those who partake ... and a good reason to open a bottle of Port too!

Just before dinner, while visiting Quinta do Noval.

It was really nice to see LUISA BORGES again during the harvest, along with both of her parents. Luisa is making gorgeous wines at VIEIRA DE SOUSA and not only did we get to try quite a few bottles, but also visited their vineyards and sampled some family heirlooms from cask. A very memorable day!

Part of our lineup at a recent Port get-together.

Duorum 2010 LBV

The proud owner of PE na Agua restaurant, on the island of Porto Santo, (one of the Madeira islands) shows us our fresh lunch options. The seafood was fabulous and the service was outstanding too.

A fine young NIEPOORT Colheita that is just coming into its own.

Seeking out a new LBV to try ... there is a reason this 2011 QUEVEDO won the 5th Annual FTLOP Award for the LBV Category!

Quinta do Noval ... spectacular!

2007 Altano ... one of the TOP versions of this wine!

Visting Vinhos Justino is always an educational experience, and our tastings there have been fantastic. Thanks to their Managing Director Júlio Fernandes (standing in photo) and Juan Texeira who is the winemaker, the quality of their Madeiras remains at such a high level.

The key is, you must have a cork screw!

A personal favorite enjoyed last week. DOW'S 1985 VP !!Certainly in the Top 3 or 4 of the Vintage.

"As Supplied to the House of Lords" ... a very rare bottle of Hoopers 1948 Port.

I may have included this photo before, of part of my collection of "worthy" old Colheitas on a shelving rack in my tasting room. There are some real gems and I wish I could make this a lot larger so the labels would be clearer.

Looking to give Port wine as a holiday gift?Here is a Magnum of 1870 Kopke "Vintage Port",.. but of course this would be akin to today's Colheita style, as it was "matured in wood". This was the oldest bottle of Kopke I've ever seen. Ya gotta love the label.

Who can recognize this well-known vineyard in the Douro?

GRAHAM'S:Another GREAT 1948 Vintage Port. One of my 3 favorites of the vintage and one of the all-time great bottlings of Graham's VP.

The beauty of Quinta da Pacheca at harvest time.

Featured in this easy to find wine shop in downtown Porto is NIEPOORTLAND. It has a great selection and that is just one large nook in this huge space on multiple levels of the shop. Look for it when next in Porto: VINOTECA de copo e alma.

It is time for a little Madeira for a change of pace.Some youngsters!

Outdoor Port tasting. Not everyone likes this but on a nice day, why not?

It makes me thirsty just looking at this lineup of Douro gems.After a great day of drinking fine Vintage Ports we turned to ... no, not beer, but these. A very memorable dinner ensued.

2011 Niepoort "Bioma" Vinha VelhaOn occasion, it's fun to drink young Vintage Ports, as it teaches the palate how to discern where the future drinking pleasure will be down the road. Conversely, it also allows us to understand old VPs better, to see what they were like when they started out as youngsters.

You never forget your first ... Quinta do Bomfim was mine!The vineyards are spectacular as you can see, but without them, I doubt that Dow's Vintage Port would be as incredible. The new visitor's center makes this a "don't miss" place to go in the Douro.

The KROHN Colheita corner at Garrafeira Nacional in Lisboa.Do you have a favorite Krohn Port?

Here was a fine trio of KOPKE Colheitas. What's not to love?1955 - 1965 - 1966 .... Yummy!

Tânia Branco Oliveira has appeared on this page several times and by now you should recognize her. If by chance you are not sure who this Port trade insider is and want to learn more, take a good read of the newsletter that will be released this coming weekend, in time for some good between-holidays-reading!

What are your Port plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?Surely you have a bottle or two that need to be opened, no?Please do share what you are considering to open!P.S. The photo below is from last Feb. and is only a "fantasy shot" of what I'd like to drink for Christmas.

After lots of time spent deciding what to open on Christmas Eve, the decision has been made. I've never tried this before and only have this one and I was going to wait another two years for a big birthday. But this Christmas is as good a time as any.

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS:During a day of reflection, when I think about the finest trio of Ports that I've ever had together in one sitting ... this would be the winning troika. And I don't believe any 3 could ever be better than this, for me. (298/300).

As I finish up my year-end newsletter which tops out at 120 pages, I need inspiration today and have two bottles which will do the trick. Unfortunately, there won't be tasting notes on this pair until 2016. But you can see they are worthy of the final working, closing out issue #87!

How would you like to be there right now?

Following the Douro up river from Porto, I see a nice place to build a home. Although this photo was taken while on the Rio Douro, I bet the view is more spectacular looking down from up top, with the river in front.

Alvaro van Zeller, is very well known for his extreme talent as winemaker at the Port house of JH Andresen, (and for Danish friends, a very special "25th Anniversary" bottling of celebratory Port). But do any of you know what other projects Alvaro has been involved with in the past or present (WITHOUT turning to Google for help)?

Two rare bottles from the 19th century - RCV.

Happy New Years to our FB friends and family!

The end is near, for this bottle!

Two outstanding Douro wines from Casa Ferreirinha.

From the island of Porto Santo, Madeira.

You're always on my mind ...

GRAHAM'SThe quality speaks for itself!

Quinta do Vallado doesn't get enough press, but they are one of the finest producers in the Douro. I wish it was easier to find their wines in the USA. They make many fabulous bottlings of white and red DOC wines and some stunning Ports too, mostly their wood-aged Ports, but the whole lineup is pretty impressive!

A "cult" wine producer in Portugal's Alentejo, though not well known YET in the USA. That's going to change soon as distribution will ramp up stateside in 2016. In Portugal, everyone knows this producer, and David Marques Ferreira. He is the Managing Director of Herdade do Mouchão, founded in 1901. David has been doing great work for this fine wine producer!

The 2003 Sandeman Vintage Port.It had been several years since I last tried this Vintage Port and it has continued to improve over the past half decade. It was always very good, now it also shows a rich and elegant texture and soft mouthfeel which is really appealing. Worthy of cellaring if you can still find some at a good price!

Marvelous Madeira, I can't wait to get back there in May!

A pair of Portuguese pairs.

After today's football game, I feel like celebrating. This would do nicely.

For lovers of Madeira, a nice casual lineup for a tasting.

2012 Post Scriptum. A very nice wine indeed.

If you think that standing for hours on a steep slope like this could be a challenge, then consider what it would be like bent over, doing back breaking grape picking in the heat of the sun in temperatures often exceedingly hot at 30-40 degrees C.Welcome to the Douro Valley!

If I could only pick one grape from which to have one last sip of its nectar, undoubtedly, it would be TERRANTEZ. Contrary to rumors, Terrantez is not dead, it just smells funny.In a very good way!

How would you like to start YOUR weekend?

DUAS QUINTAS .... a fine expression of Douro!A pair of excellent 2012s from Ramos Pinto.

A sweet evening.

See you again, soon!

Quinta do Noval ... not as well known for their incredible Colheitas, this was very good indeed. There Vintage Ports made Noval famous, but from their Unfiltered LBVs, Reserve Ruby (Noval BLACK) and their 10, 20 and 40 year old Tawnies and Colheitas ... across the board, many great Ports

Jose Maria Cálem is producing very impressive Douro wines nowadays, as well as expressive Ports from Quinta do Sagrado.

There are few restaurants or wineries in Portugal, (if not the world) where a soup bowl immediately tells you where the photo was taken. Taken during our Port Harvest Tour 2, this bowl speaks volumes!

A great way to start off a weekend. PORT!

If you'd like some Port, step right up. We don't need a reason ... it's Friday!

Any Port in a storm!

Magnum madness.

Quinta do Crasto 2014 Branco. A crisp and fruit driven white wine from the Douro, perfect on a sunny afternoon sailing on the river.

A recent trio of Krohn Colheitas.

The natural beauty of the historic Douro property known as Quinta do Bomfim. I did not take this photo, but it is perfectly represents the exemplary site in the heartland of Pinhão. Bomfim is the backbone and supplies the grapes that make up Dow's Ports.

W.I.L.D. = Why I love demijohns.

Weekend thoughts:19th century Ports @ Quinta de Villar d'Allen.

Lineup the usual suspects!

More Malvasia please!

Azuleijos at Casal da Coelheira

Fine wines at Quinta do Pinto

Do you know how many DOC wine regions there are in Portugal?

Some Ports by Quinta do Crasto

My first Niepoort Charme was a 2002 bottling and it has always been extraordinary as it continues to age. A decade later came this Niepoort 2012 Charme, and while it is just a baby it shows fine potential for the future as well.

Arguably the greatest young Vintage Port from the past 1/4 century, 1994 QUINTA do NOVAL NACIONAL. When was the last time you saw a full case of this Port?

Jorge Rosas is a descendant of the founding family, shown here at the Port Lodge of Ramos Pinto, surrounded by azulejos and naked women. ;)

An excellent young Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port. It speaks volumes that a Vargellas VP was produced in 2012 and yet, Fonseca Guimaraens was produced in 2013. Typically, these two Port shippers, (with common ownership) "declare" in identical vintages. There are years where both are not declared, but I can't remember seeing this happen before. Can you?

This 20 year old Tawny Port by Ramos Pinto is one often mentioned on FTLOP's Forum with many positive comments. Your thoughts?

Do you recognize this quinta property?

From Quinta do Crasto comes this 2009 Douro wine, a joint venture between the Roquette family and Bordeaux wine giant, Jean-Michel Cazes (of Lynch Bages fame).

The lighter side of Quinta de Chocapalha's wines. If you're not yet aware of this property, the winemaker is Sandra Tavares, known for her prowess at Wine & Soul / Pintas and her involvement with Quinta do Vale d. Maria. Her parents own the beautiful Chocapalha. The red wines are equally captivating!

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DAVID GUIMARAENS, master Port winemaker, discussing the process of fortification and importance of the quality of aguardente, while sitting beside the robotic lagares at Quinta da Roêda just upriver from Pinhão.

This is the 2nd Vintage Port produced by the fine young winemaker, Luisa Borges. Her blend includes Tinta Roriz, Amarela, Cão and Barroca, as well as Touriga Franca and some old vine field blends. Beyond my three days evaluating this bottling blind, I've had the Vieira de Sousa 2011 Port on three other occasions, with very consistent notes overall. The most recent was in early October, (at the source) and with a three hour decant, the VP still showed very similar characteristics to my previous experiences. Lifted fragrances of lavender, dark wild berries, cedar, herbs and kalamata. Uber-ripe and concentrated blackberry and sweet grape flavors which retained balance and finesse, due to the judicious dose of lively acidity and a firm chassis of tannins that mellowed by day 3. Medium-bodied, soft and rather nicely contoured vinous and voluptuous mouthfeel, and a savory medium length finish that reverberates the distinctive freshness of the fruit. Drink early and often for the next quarter century. Another fine effort by Ms. Borges! 92 points

Quinta do Portal's fine wine & Port maker, Paulo Coutinho discussing terroir during the harvest.

Accompanying dinner at the source.

Queijo e Vinho do Porto. Juntos, eles são como irmã e irmão.Cheese and Port wine. Together they are like sister and brother. In the upper right hand corner of the platter is Quince paste, known in Portuguese as marmelo.

TERRANTEZ: my favorite wine grape.Fun with Madeira ... all Terrantez, 1887 back to 1748.

Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Ports can often shine in vintages where others may fail to do so.

Day of the decanter and oh what a Port tasting it was!FTLOP does Motley Crue..

The latest and greatest from Fonseca-Guimaraens.

The incredible beauty of Quinta Santa Eufemia, which is situated in such a remote place in the Douro, that it doesn't get many visits from tourists.

Evaluating Ports with Oscar Quevedo

Giving lessons on the use of a Port tongs.Thanks Fion!

If you are just beginning to appreciate Port, Madeira or any beverage, it is important to learn how to taste it. It will improve your sense's ability to perceive, which makes wine far more enjoyable. Are you open to add a new dimension to your wine appreciation? Actually, anything you may drink. Begin now and seek out Jancis Robinson's book: HOW TO TASTE. It is a game changer!

Dorota is about to roam the vineyards at Porto Quevedo.

Douro Dog during siesta @ Quinta do Tedo

A fine afternoon at the 1890 Graham's Port Lodge.

A fine selection of NIEPOORT's table wines!2007 Robustus and the fabulous 2009 Batuta.

Quinta do Tedo, a small-to-medium sized producer in the Douro that is making really fine table wines and some excellent Ports too. But as important as that it ... Tedo is a very special place to visit, where guests are well looked after ... always!

Tomas Roquette, one of the Douro Boys and an excellent winemaker who is willing to take his time to help educate those interested in learning about Douro wines, Port, the Douro region and his country.

Time for dessert = time for Port!

Quinta de Chocapalha, a fine producer of wines from the Lisboa (formerly known as the Estremadura) region has 45 hectares planted to vine..Owned since the 1980s, the Tavares da Silva family waited until 2000 to launch their fine wine selection.

2011 Porto Quevedo Vintage Port.I'd like to hear your opinions on this particular bottling.What do you think of this VP?

A little slice of heaven.Douro magic!

This is an easy one, well ... maybe a little tricky: Who was the cartographer that produced this ... and in what year?

I'll admit being fascinated by the Douro schist stairways that link terrace above to terrace below. These are made out of the same type of schist that Port & Douro wine vines are planted. Usually they are extremely old and often times from the 19th century.

For now, until my tasting note appears in the newsletter, all I can say is, "Wow!"

TBTA decade ago, at 3 years old ... although not her first time ... my daughter by now has decanted hundreds of bottles of Port for me.

A fun afternoon with Niepoort wines and Port.

Another great youngster -- QUINTA DO VESUVIO 2013!

Photo of PAUL SYMINGTON from a clipping taken from an old Wine Spectator (February 28 1998) that accompanied an article on LBV. Paul is the head of Symington Family Estates with Port brands: Graham's, Dow's, Warre, Quinta do Vesuvio, Gould Campbell, Smith Woodhouse, Cockburn's, Quinta de Roriz, Quarles Harris, Martinez and likely one or two I am forgetting.

Nobody does succulent and perfectly cooked Octopus like the Portuguese "Polvo." Simple and amazing. From Vinho Verde, Espumante, or a variety of white and red vinhos de Portugal. This is one of my favorite dishes while in country.

The Douro-Danish connection -- friends on our 2015 Port Harvest Tour get to tread grapes in lagar at Quinta do Noval.

Sandra Tavares da Silva, arguably the most well-known winemaking woman in Portugal over the past 15 years. She has had great success at Wine & Soul's Pintas (along with her winemaking husband, Jorge Serodio Borges) -- Quinta de Chocapalha and consulting oenologist at Quinta Vale d. Maria.

Are you in the mood for a wonderful experience tasting a top 40 Year Old Tawny Port? Well here you go!TAYLOR'S.

"Please sir, may I have some more?"Oscar Quevedo, pouring directly from demijohn. Please folks, do not try this at home!

And now we head to another great Portuguese fortified wine: MADEIRA22 distinctive samples from young, back to 1850, during a visit to D'Oliveiras in Funchal. Extraordinary!

CLASSIC!Quinta da Leda 2001 Douro ... the grapes from this property are the backbone of the legendary BARCA VELHA. Casa Ferreirinha's Leda offers deeply concentrated and complex flavors, especially in great years like this 2001, which has aged beautifully.

Historic Vintage Ports from the Symingtons @ Quinta do Bomfim's (Dow's) visitor center

An ultra-rare bottle brought back home to the Douro. 1890 Ramos Pinto Reserve (actually identical to Colheita). Consumed at Bom Retiro to celebrate with João Nicolau de Almeida and friends.Thanks again, Peter!

Quinta de Vargellas @ Harvest '15

A nice pair of old Colheitas

It is not often that I get to try 15 year old Douro white wines. This was showing extraorinarily well given its age. I wish this happened more frequently!

We were visiting Jose Maria da Fonseca and eventually checked out this machine for some inspiration. It worked

This would make for a nice weekend ...

Thank you all for coming!I never thought it possible to exceed 6,000 likes from people on FB focused on Port, Madeira and Portuguese wines. Your caring support is much appreciated!

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As a "warm up" for our tour of Madeira in 3 weeks, I will head to NYC tomorrow, for an annual Madeira event which I co-host. This year's theme is "Pre-Phylloxera Sercial." Our guests will be subjected to 20 of the greatest bottles of Sercial remaining on earth, averaging over 170 years each. Madeira ... ya gotta love it!

Visiting the vineyards at Quinta do Vallado during the 2015 harvest. Things looked and tasted so good, it seemed like this would be a great year for the next general declaration of Port. We shall see, but I believe that will be the case. Thanks to Francisco Spratley Ferreira for providing us with one extraordinary day all around!

A departure to ... VINHO VERDE.Visiting Quinta de Linhares.

J.H. Andresen ... if you don't know this esteemed name in Port wine ... well, you should!

Quinta do Sagrado .. home of the Ports and wines by Jose Maria Calem.

1978 Niepoort Vintage Port ... if only this once in my life ... I am grateful!

High above the Rio Douro, on this prominent perch, sits the well manicured vineyard of Sandeman's Quinta do Seixo.

Sogevinus pulled out all the stops. This was a spectacular tasting of Colheitas and a pair of 40 year old Tawny Ports, one of which was White.

An inspirational friend.Francisco "Vito" Olazabal.

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This was a wonderful wine that I tried both in 2014 and 2015 and for a 20 and 21 year old Douro red wine ... provides all the evidence that some Douro wines can age nearly as easily as Port!1994 Ramos Pinto, Duas Quintas Reserva Vinho Tinto

QUINTA DO PINTO

1992 Quinta do Infantado Vintage Port

A Memorable Madeira DaySercial on display ... before the tasting got under way.

A pretty pairing of Vale Meão 2008 & 2009.

While I posted a similar photo not that long ago, this is larger and shows more detail of one parcel of Quinta do Noval's beautifully manicured vineyards, with the amazing stone staircases to get from one terrace to the next.

I waited years for the right opportunity to open this bottle of Sercial. It is one that nobody at our tasting had ever seen before. I had no idea it was hard to find, but come to think of it, I've never seen or tasted another one. Maybe I never will again? Next week I will be visiting Madeira and will try to find another.

The 2nd vintage of Quinta do Vesuvio VP, the first 1989, the same year the Symington Family purchased the property. I've had the 1990 on several occasions, but none recently. It was great to finally have one show really well. I've always found a degree of Douro bake in 1989/1990 and to a slightly lesser degree the 1991. But none of those really impressed me. This was the 1st time I truly enjoyed the 1990 and it still has room to evolve for a few more years, albeit it's somewhat mature at this point.

The one, the only ...PEDRO LEMOS.

A view of Quinta da Devesa, a Douro property with 34 hectares of vineyards, producing a wide range of fine Tawny and Colheita Ports.

In Seattle, FTLOP organized a 2-day Madeira tasting. The 1st day was the "entry level" bottles and the 2nd day would be the older and greater bottlings. This is the photo of our lineup on day one.

Speaking of Portugal ...

What a beautiful sunny day it was in the Douro today. Visits to both Quinta do Mourao and Quinta do Portal were splendid. I love this place. #FortificationTour #LovePortugal #FTLOP

Oscar Quevedo and his lovely wife Nadia with their adorable son Marc, and his first time ever tasting Port wine. A magic moment!

Our last "Fortification Tour" tasting on the mainland.Taylor's 1977, 1997, 2007Fonseca 1985, 1997, 2007Have you tried any of these? If so, your thoughts?

An absolutely decadent lunch at Pedro Lemos, with Dirk Niepoort and his parents and friends. Here is a shot of Dirk with his father, Rolf as we all enjoyed a 1945 Niepoort Vintage Port. An exceptional moment.

Portologia in Porto is a fine Port bar well worth visiting. They provide many pours by-the-glass that are from vintages and producers that are rarely if ever served this way and with a knowledgeable staff to provide you with all the facts.

Polvo appetizer while dining at Quinta do Portal.Chef Milton Ferreira continues to impress (with this octopus salad with sweet potatoes) as do the wines from Portal's Paulo Coutinho.

A pair of Ports in Porto. I've never seen either one before this.

Six Senses Hotel -- in Douro, (formerly known as Aquapura).

The new visitor's center at the Taylor Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, is nearly complete. Here is just a glimpse of one of the many awesome new features that will be included along with several interactive attractions that you will find in this space. If you've ever wondered how to repurpose wine casks, well, here you go with some unique wine themed furniture.

This 1886 BARBEITO MALVASIA vinified from grapes of the Afonso family estate was aged in barrel and demijohn for 116 years, until bottled in October 2002. There was a whopping production of 140 bottles at that time. Consumed April 2016.

In Seattle, FTLOP organized a 2-day Madeira tasting. The 1st day was the "entry level" bottles and the 2nd day would be the older and greater bottlings. This is the photo of our lineup on day two; (Day 1 was posted May 14th).

Superimposition of Porto.

A riverside view of The Yeatman Hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia.

During our visit to their Port lodge, it was very nice to spend time with Susana Ferraz of Niepoort Vinhos, Lda.

Even better than the 1985 ... the 1983 Gould Campbell is at the top of its game and as good as any Port from this particular vintage.

The new wave of Port lovers.

Queijo Serra da Estrela. Purely Portuguese and a perfect pairing with Port.

With Luisa Olazabal from Quinta do Vale Meão @ DOC.

NIEPOORTThe stark contrast is apparent.Great Ports found locally in Porto.

Old Port warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Sercial is not just for breakfast anymore.A crackin' great pairing of Polvo (octopus) & 10 year old Sercial.

Visiting the holy shrine of Madeira, BARBEITO.

A few from the 1950s ... showing really well!

A bunch of Colheitas from a variety of Port houses can be found in special shops from Porto to Lisbon. This is one of my favorites, neatly tucked away in Porto.

Nick Delaforce, 6th generation in his family's Port business. He has been collaborating with Dirk in making the Ports for Niepoort since 2003.

My friend having a colorful dessert and a glass of JH Andresen "Over 40 Year Old Tawny" @ DOP Restaurant in Porto.

Here is a bottle that I do not think anyone has in their cellar. A very rare Ramos Pinto from a vintage (1981) from which few have ever seen any Douro wine or Port produced.

Young Ports before lunch.

KOPKE on the Douro, in Porto.

LUISA BORGES' smile is infectious. Her photo image is no stranger to this page. A crowd favorite in person, her bubbly personality fits right alongside her more serious Douro wines and Ports under the Vieira de Sousa label.

Drinking history ...

The new visitor's center at the TAYLOR's PORT LODGE opened two days ago. So many great things to see and experience there!

The IVDP's Solar do Vinho do Porto, in Lisboa. I remember first visiting the one in Port back in 1994 and several times after that too. I was shocked when it closed down towards the end of the past decade. We had 40 year old Romaneira Tawny Port, followed by a bottle of 1976 Krohn Colheita. Great times, but that place is so run down, it almost felt anachronistic, with paint peeling off the walls etc.

BLACKETT PORTSThree times within the past week, from 2 separate groups of bottles, I tasted through all three of these Tawny Ports (in USA & Portugal).

A fantastic 11 course dinner @ Belcanto (2 star Michelin restaurant) in Lisbon, included this beauty from 1979, (Dao)

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One of Portugal's best kept secrets ...Carcavelos!

Girls just want to have Port.

The excellence of Sandeman 40 Year Old Tawny Port.

"For Sale: Looking for a good home ... "

What a great flight at PORTOLOGIA in Porto. I hope to go back there again tonight for another one.

Quinta da Lapa's "Nana" Reserva, a great red wine from the Tejo Region.

It was my distinct pleasure to finally get to meet Julia Kemper at her winery, Quinta do Cruzeiro within PT's Dão region. Julia's wines epitomize the quality that can be achieved through the use of organic farming. Her entire lineup of whtes and reds went from strength to strength and our group loved this visit; which is no surprise once one gets to know this dynamic and passionate winemaker.

Nosing a glass of 1976 Krohn Colheita at the IVDP's Solar do Vinho do Porto in Lisboa.

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A fine assortment of lesser known Vintage Ports.

An overcast afternoon visit to Quinta do Monte d'Oiro and winemaker Graça Gonçalves, who embraces the grapes from the Rhone region. Graça is producing some of the finest examples of Syrah in the entire Lisboa region, if not the country.

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Here is a pairing that was duplicated two days in a row in two different restaurants in Porto: 2014 Quinta de Gomariz Alvarinho Colheita Seleccionada paired with a stupendous 2012 Quinta do Vallado Touriga Nacional, so generous and approachable now. I had the 2015 Gomariz the next day (next to the Vallado again) and I preferred the 2015 by a wide margin. The 2014 was leaner and more minerally, but I liked the texture, aromatics and fruit character, more, on the 2014.

Ayesha staying focused on Port.

This window can only be seen in one renowned winery.

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In the first 1/2 of 2016, this is the best Vinho Verde I have tasted.2015 Soalheiro "Terramatter" Alvarinho - fermented in oak with partial malolactic fermentation. A new breed of VV and it would be fun to taste this a decade down the road. Loved its exquisite balance and sophisticated nuances, both aromatically and on the palate.

So when was the last time that you saw Quinta da Romaneira used as a "SVD" (Single Vineyard Designation)? This 1908 bottle of Real Companhia Vinicola does exactly that. An uber rare bottle from a great vintage from the heart of the Douro.Old Port wine ... there is nothing like it!

Vintage Port analysis: tasting these Quinta do Crasto youngsters, provides a window into the future so one can make a more accurate evaluation as to when they will drink at their best.

One will never forget the very first time they ever use a Port tongs. Here Joe D'Achille from our 2016 Fortification Tour gets to open a bottle of 1999 Quinta do Portal Vintage Port, with instructions by Portal's winemaker, Paulo Coutinho.

STILL LIFEAt Herdade do Mouchão, one is fortunate to get to "see" the very special cuvée known as Tonel no. 3-4. Seeing those actual casks last year was a monumental occasion for our group. This year we had the great fortune to try the 2011 version of this wine. Then came this once-in-a-lifetime experience ... the 2001.

Just two years prior to this Malvasia's vintage, Vinhos Barbeito was founded. Although many older bottlings of Barbeito Madeira still exist today, they were purchased in cask from other producers and then bottled and labeled. My guess is that this wonderful wine pictured below was also purchased by Mário Barbeito de Vasconcelos, the grandfather of current winemaker Ricardo Diogo Freitas.

Some people go to an office 9-5 everyday. I prefer this type of "work" ... Port missionary ... spreading the good word and knowledge of Port wine. Presenting Port seminars and tastings, (and Madeira too) around North America and beyond, is hard work. :) It is all For the Love of Port!

Scallop appetizer for dinner while visiting Madeira this year.

An esteemed fine wine lineup by Vieira de Sousa.

A pair of great Colheita Ports.

Guests enjoy a most memorable day into night at Noval. And this was BEFORE the fun of treading began.

Quinta do Mourão is the home of S. Leonardo Ports, produced by Miguel Braga, one of the finest wood-aged Port blenders in the entire region. This is a must visit while in the Douro. In the background you can see the Six Senses Hotel.

Vincent Bouchard, followed 8 generations of winemakers from Burgundy's Bouchard Père et Fils. In 1992, he and his wife Kay took over a property in the Douro that needed a lot of work to bring it back to life. It sits on the confluence of the rivers Tedo and Douro. Since the renovation of the winery, loads of work has improved the vineyards too. The couple hired Jorge Alves, a talented young winemaker with loads of promise and their QUINTA DO TEDO really began to take off. Their Douro wines and broad selection of Ports have really excelled and provide a bright future for this property.

A hilltop castle (São Jorge) was first constructed in 48 BC and it protected the nation's capital of Lisboa and Tagus River over the course of many centuries. A beautiful view from a recent restaurant visit nearby.

Having fun with our recent FIVE REGIONS TOUR of Portugal's winelands, while visiting CORTES de CIMA in the Alentejo. Our diverse group loved meeting Carrie Jorgensen (2nd from the left). Many friendships were forged, with memories to last for years!

A fun way to see the Douro on a warm afternoon during harvest time.

There is still quite a buzz when one comes across a bottle of this fabulously delicious mid-19th century, Taylor's SCION Port. Here there were two, in their original beautifully displayed burnished hardwood packaging.

There is a fairly large difference in the pure enjoyment of drinking Port for pleasure and that of having to evaluate Port for the sake of producing a tasting note. Semantics? I don't think so.

The hard work hasn't changed much, (in recent centuries) behind the scenes at harvest time. Without which, it would not be possible to bring you great bottles of Port!

If you were given this home and some money to fix it up, would you consider moving here and living here in the Douro, full time?

I swear that Luisa Borges is not flipping me the bird here!

Yes, yet again. Every time I see this bottle for sale or on a wine list in a restaurant, I keep buying it and drinking it. Yep, it is really THAT good. i need to buy a case of it when I get back to the USA!!! 2012 QUINTA DO VALLADO TOURIGA NACIONAL

A unique perspective of Quinta do Bomfim and its new visitor center, as seen from on the river. This is one "do not miss" Port property when visiting the Pinhao area of the Douro. I am sure you all realize this, but it is the quinta that is at the heart and soul of Dow's Vintage Ports and also makes some fine and well-priced Douro wines.

CARTUXAOne of my "Top 10" most memorable "non-fortified wine" visits I've ever had in Portugal.I will never forget some of the wines in this lineup!

What is your favorite wine/Port produced by this man's family?In case you don't already recognize this face, it is OSCAR QUEVEDO.

Quinta do Noval NacionalWhat is wrong with this picture?

Four excellent Ports by Quinta do Sagrado. It may be a name that you are not yet familiar with? The winemaker is Jose Maria Cálem, who for many years was winemaker as part of the Port shipper known as A.A. Cálem & Filho, S.A. that was founded in 1859 (until the company sold a decade ago). Jose is also making some top notch Douro wines, my favorite of which is under the label, "VT".

Miguel Braga's Quinta do Mourão -- and his S. Leonardo Ports; receives my vote for the producer with the finest range of 10-40+ Year Old Tawnies in the Douro region.

If It's Friday, This Must Be Amsterdam

At a wine shop in Amsterdam: Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny & LBV Ports.

Dinner with friends from Sogrape, (Ferreira, Sandeman, Offley)

Niepoort 1945 Vintage Port. Notice the brown glass, used in bottlings at the end of WW2 and exclusively for all companies when the 1945 vintage was released.

The one and only 1967 Quinta do Noval Nacional, one of my 3 favorite vintages of this extraordinary Vintage Port. It has nearly never failed to shock me how good it is as well as how young it shows.

Spending some quality time with Vincent and Kay Bouchard @ QUINTA DO TEDO. A great place to visit while up in the Douro Valley.

Quinta de Napoles is one of the most extraordinary properties in the Douro. Home of Niepoort Vinhos, the table wines produced here along with the Ports that use grapes from the vineyards here, are truly spectacular. But visiting the winery and experiencing the vision of Dirk Niepoort, one can't help but be impressed.

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Quinta da Romaneira's lineup of Douro wines.

Portologia in Paris ... all in all it's just a Port in the wall.If you will be visiting Paris and are looking for THE PLACE to find great Port at very reasonable prices, by-the-glass -- or a bottle for later, here you go!

The moment of enthronement (induction) into the Confraria do Vinho da Madeira. The photo was taken by my daughter.

Believe it or not ... this was my first time trying this Douro Boys wine from 2005, which was only bottled in magnums and auctioned off. It was something I never expected to taste in my life, so this was an extremely generous share by a friend in Amsterdam.

A great tasting of Niepoort Vinhos ... mostly recent releases.

BURMESTER - here is my favorite Colheita produced by this excellent Port shipper; although I am also a huge fan of their 1940 as well.

What I crave most when I am NOT in Portugal.CALDO VERDE!This was a great version, served at Quinta do Mourão.

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting ...Paulo Coutinho, winemaker at Quinta do Portal, with FTLOP's Mario Ferreira.

For this weekend ... can't wait.

Sandeman's beautifully manicured property on the South bank of the Douro, was purchased by Sogrape in 1987 and now contains nearly 30 hectares. In the past two generally declared vintages, (2007 & 2011) winemaker Luis Sottomayor has brought Sandeman's reputation back into the big leagues of Port producers; nailing back-to-back home runs. It has been fun to watch Sandeman return to its former greatness and I can't wait to see what comes next year with their 2015 Vintage Port.

I am looking for some information on this bottle. If anyone can help provide some intel, I would really appreciate that. Ribeiro & Ferreira Carvalho from 1955.

RUBINA VIEIRA has appeared here on the FTLOP page before. Her role as Madeira educator / guru for the IVBAM is known by a wide swath of enthusiasts around the world, many of whom visit the island. Rubina's ability to convey her vast knowledge on the subject of Madeira is unparalleled.

While the Port sleeps; Gaia at night

A super rare bottle of 1940 Krohn Colheita. This special bottle of Port was opened for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the firm, from the private reserve that was Edmundo Carneiro's cellar, (grandfater of the last generation to run Krohn). A fantastic Port shared by family members at Quinta da Viega, near Pinhão during this celebration. Special thanks to Mário CV and Jane LV for use of the photo!

GURU Vinho Branco 2012 and 2014.

In the cellar of Restaurante Antiqvvm, in Porto. I have had only two meals there, one lunch and one dinner and both rocked, with excellent wines & food and near-perfect service. Here are just some of the Ports they carry. You should see the rest of their list!

LARGE format bottles by NIEPOORT

Like salmon, we are heading up river. Unlike salmon, we are heading directly to drink some Port wine.

1910 Andresen Colheita Port.Here is one of the real hidden gems one gets to explore when we go to Portugal. I have been grateful to experience this Port a few times from the source. I remember each and every one, like they were my children. You can never have a Port like this too many times in one's life. A remarkable achievement!

In Madeira, this is a meal we would never miss. Various fresh meats cut into large pieces are skewered on Laurel wood spears, (called Loureiro in Portuguese, the same name associated with the fab grape from Vinho Verde). This wood imparts a ton of delicious flavor to the meat when cooked in an open wood-burning oven, seared at very high temperatures. Laurel leaves are also a very widely used seasoning (in Portugal) for meat, fish etc. (Thanks Mario Ferreira!)

1963 Cockburn's Vintage Port is now over a half century old and is still a delicious drink, when bottles have been stored well. From FTLOP's recent 11th anniversary party. It will be the feature of the upcoming newsletter, along with dozens of Port tasting notes and enough other features, to keep you reading for a couple of weeks.

My brother and good friend Blair were here for a weekend back in late July and we enjoyed an array of fine dessert wines. But you should've seen what else was on the table.

The beauty of Quinta do Vallado, whose winemaker, Francisco Ferreira, will be featured IN FOCUS, in our upcoming newsletter.

Belcanto is the brainchild of master chef José Avillez in Lisboa, one of the handful of fine dining venues he owns in the capital city & Porto. This was one of the fun wine pairings that we had along with each course ... and there were many. Loaded with Cabernet character, this inexpensive old Portuguese wine was lively, balanced and fresh, given its nearly 20 years of age. A pleasant surprise, and great pairing, to say the least!

What Port are you going to open this weekend?This photo from last month at a dinner in Amsterdam. It was just one of the flights!

Ayesha learning the different Port grape types and photographing them during the 2015 Port Harvest Tour.

Some of the old-vine field blends planted on old "socalcos" (terraces) that help to make Taylor's Ports so incredible. It all starts with the vineyards, and this parcel at Quinta de Vargellas is known for excellence.

If you haven't tried this 1970 Taylor's Vintage Port before, it is one you should make sure to experience at least once in your life. There are others, but this Taylor's is extraordinary, especially when from a pristinely stored bottle!

How is this for a nice pairing of siblings?

A nice trio for breakfast?

Quinta do Noval

Ana Almeida of Quinta do Noval provided us with an excellent understanding of several categories of Port wine during our tasting amidst the harvest.

Harvest is here! "Triage" better known as the work that goes on at the sorting table, allows freshly picked grapes to be determined worthy or not by those trained what quality is acceptable and desired. The work here goes by quickly, in retrospect, but it should be underscored how important this is to a winemaker's success. Without great grapes, there can be no great wine!

The Dow's house style really appeals to what I love about great Vintage Ports and well-stored bottles of the Dow's 1966 vintage, remind me of this nearly every time I am fortunate enough to try one. This photo, from a pristine bottle in late July.

If you like Vinho Verde, you've gotta love Soalheiro!

From the superlative vintage of 1970 comes this Graham's Vintage Port. While it would be very difficult to find a vintage in which Graham's did not excel, the 1970 is a benchmark, in a long line of great VPs. It is also the year that the Symington family purchased this excellent Port shipper from the Graham's brothers and this particular bottling was vinified by James Symington. What are your thoughts about this Port ... and do you have some in your cellar?

The singular beauty of wood-aged Ports.In this case "specialty bottlings", 40 Year Old Tawny Ports and aged Colheitas; some in this lineup went back a century.

A big shout out to the IVDP and their organization for putting together a fantastic PORT WINE DAY 2016, here in Porto. From the many guest speakers on a wide variety of related subjects, to Bento Amaral who lead a tremendous Masterclass tasting that included the following Ports.* 2011 Dow's Vintage* 1996 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage* 1987 São Pedro das Aguias Colheita* 1985 Fonseca Vintage* 1983 Ramos Pinto Vintage* 1977 Real Companhia Velha Colheita* 1968 JH Andresen Colheita* 1967 Poças Colheita* 1963 Dalva Golden White* 1952 Ferreira Vintage * 1952 Niepoort Garrafeira* 1935 Kopke White Colheita* 1935 Borges Vintage* n/v Bulas Very Old Port (No. 13) from the 2nd half of 19th C.That was just the beginning. With lunch there were dozens of Douro white and red wines and Ports to choose from. Afterwards, an incredible selection of Ports and Douro wines at tables where the owners and/or winemakers presented a half dozen or more offerings from their portfolios. Finally, an outdoor party from sunset to much later at night, with a DJ, on the waterfront that was a ton of fun. My sincere thanks to the IVDP and especially Manuel Cabral for this exceptional day!

It is ON ... VINDIMA 2016 has arrived, throughout the Douro!I plan to bring some "Seattle" spare rain up to the Douro which needs a little bit of refreshment after a long period without it.

Mario, Tania & Roy

A 69 year old KOPKE classic Colheita!

Views from afar.

A taste of DR Ports

This Port specialist has been producing some of the greatest Ports known to enthusiasts from around the globe. DAVID GUIMARAENS has now been making Port for two dozen years and his fantastic Taylor, Fonseca and Croft Ports have benefited having been crafted by this brilliant winemaker.

It is hard to imagine what life would be like in the Douro without the Pinhão bridge. It would certainly make things nearly impossible during the peak traffic at harvest time. This is definitely one of the most important small bridges in the world ... at least our world.

Long time dear friends united once again ...

Have you tried this extraordinary "60 Year Old Tawny Port" yet? S. Leonardo is the producer, by Miguel Braga of Quinta do Mourao. Of course they make a 10, 20, 30 & 40 year old Tawny Port, but this 60 year old "Old Tawny Port" (the official name for this category) along with a 50 & 100 year old ... are amazing Ports!

Caught in the act of Port, while sailing down river.

One of the original Pombalino stones placed as part of the Douro region's demarcation in the mid-18th century.

Res ipsa loquitur.

Luisa Olazabal from Quinta do Vale Meão.

Coincidence? Walking along the waterfront in Pinhão on the way to a restaurant, who do I bump into, but this legendary figure of the Douro. João Nicolau de Almeida. Stranger than fiction! It was great to see him and discuss his new Douro wine venture that began when he "officially retired" from Ramos Pinto at the beginning of this year. One of the truly great men with decades of achievements in the Port and Douro wine trade.

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Vertically speaking: CROFT

A brief departure: one of our flights during a great visit in Madeira, to Henriques & Henriques. We had a much broader tasting, but these four were also exceptional. Coincidentally, on my flight from Porto to Frankfurt yesterday, Humberto Jardim the managing director of H&H was on the same plane, along with Juan Texeira (Justino's) and also Jorge Dias (C. da Silva).

Quinta do Noval's Ana Almeida loves Port wine!

Speaking of 1966 ... a few more Vintage Ports from this excellent year.

Unless you've ever participated in the actual grape picking in the Douro, you have NO idea how hard this work is.

At their Port lodge, the new Taylor Fladgate visitor's center in Vila Nova de Gaia has many intriguing artifacts to see and interact with. I love old maps of the sibling cities of Gaia/Porto and especially cool maps like this of the Douro region. There is a lot more to see there too, but this map captivated my attention. Notice the way the words, "Rio Douro" meander around the river itself. Awesomeness!

Spending time with Isabel Vieira of Bulas, during the re-opening of the AVEPOD shop in Porto. Oh, you didn't know the shop reopened? Yes, seek it out for a wide swath of great small, family owned producers making great Port and Douro wines!

Some of the socalco terraces with old-vine field blends at Quinta do Bomfim, best known for Dow's Ports.

In the previous photo here, you can see the vineyard from which these Dow's Ports came. In this pic, the Dow's 20 Year Old Tawny and a 1999 Quinta do Bomfim Vintage Port, alongside a pair of the latest Symington Family Estates: Altano white and red bottlings.

Although I've enjoyed dining at Restaurante Adega de São Nicolau in Porto on several occasions, we finally introduced this fine eatery to one of our groups during harvest time this year. If you have yet to try it, experience their excellent food and well thought out wine list the next time you visit Porto.

Is it any wonder?At the ripe young age of 17, while working as a stock boy at a wine shop (in Douglaston, NY) and learning all I could, the owner's son allowed me to try this Vinho Verde from Aveleda, (Casal Garcia). And so, my adventures with Portuguese wine began many decades ago, and little did I know that someday this would become my raison d'être.

A fine collaboration!

I needed to have something that I can swallow while watching tonight's 2nd Presidential Debate. This is likely the only thing I will enjoy about tonight.

Portugal's progressive Syrah specialist: Quinta do Monte D'Oiro.

2016 Port Wine Day celebration in Porto. Thanks to the IVDP!

Susana Ferraz presents the most current release of Niepoort's Late Bottled Vintage Port, from 2012, bottled earlier this year.

Now who is "THE BAD GUY"?

Always a great time when visiting this good friend in Madeira! If only I could convince this man to sell me one of those pipas!

Dow's 750 and 1500 ml bottles from 2000 back to 1908 at Quinta do Bomfim.

Bento Amaral of the IVDP and Andre Ribeirinho of Adegga at Portwineday. Two great voices for Port wine!

What would life be like in the Douro without this train?

I brought this bottle back to its homeland to share with FTLOP's excellent blogger, Fernando Correia during a recent lunch.

Fajã Dos PadresLocated on the south side of the island, you will never forget this ride, up or down to one of the world's greatest vineyards. You can see the new gondola way down the cable. A ride that will live on in your memory forever!

Half Portuguese!

New to my cellar, the oldest Crusted Port I've ever seen.

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Do I really need 3 sets of tenazes, (Port tongs) no, not really, as I can only use one at a time. However, these are used often in my home and during my Port presentations around North America.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:Two outstanding Douro wines by QUINTA de la ROSA; their 2011 and 2012 Reserva bottlings. If you can still find the 2004 and/or 2005 versions, you will be very fortunate. These younger versions shown here are worthy of your cellar space!

The women from one of our recent Port Harvest Tours step into the lagar and prepare for treading at DR Ports.

While visiting Wine & Soul during the harvest, SANDRA TAVARES (in blue on the left side of photo) took time out to provide great details about the terroir and old-vine field blends in their vineyards. What a great afternoon into evening. Charming, brilliant and talented. Quite the combination!

BULAS produces a stunning array of Douro wines and very impressive Port wines too. Their wonderful new visitor's center is a great place to visit and experience these gems.

TAYLOR's 1966 Single Harvest Port

A great tasting, can you tell what it is we are about to start evaluating here?

Dow's 1970 Vintage Port, consumed on the Douro.

In June 2013, when I spent three full weeks tasting nearly 70 bottles of 2011 Vintage Ports, (at least 6 times per bottle over 3-4 days each) before they were ever released, this was in my TOP 10 list of the best. ALVES de SOUSA 2011 Vintage Port. It just keeps getting better and better!

Quite a handful: A Golden White and several older Colheitas.

The excellent Portuguese wine selection at Esquin's Wine Shop in Seattle.

Tania Oliveira and a friend hanging out with a couple of Ports.

Here are some outstanding bottles of Dow's & Graham's Vintage Ports. I love the 1985 Dow's and I'm decanting one now, for Halloween night. My tasting note appears in the "shelf talker" on the right.

There is something so sexy about ladies sitting casually and sipping on Port wine. Do you agree?

No matter how many (or few) times you get to drink this Port, each bottle delivers a lasting memory. 1955 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port. Not often found, but always appreciated!

The common denominator here is "60" and they all have it!PORT + MADEIRA ... in time for the weekend!

Lagar fermentation at Quinta da Leda. I can't think of a better way to exhibit what takes place.

It is not often that I get to open bottles from Bairrada vinified in 1985. While I've owned a 6-pack of these, so far the bottles have been "hit and miss". I just poured this into decanter, to remove sediment and give it no more than 30 minutes of air time. We'll see how this one behaves. 11.8% alcohol is a rarity these days!

The 1966 Fonseca Vintage Port is a benchmark of what a stellar VP can achieve with a half century of bottle age. It epitomizes why we as Port lovers, treasure and cellar our bottles with patience and fortitude for decades.

Alistair Robertson (Chairman of The Fladgate Partnership) and his lovely wife Gillyanne, along with Chris Forbes, also from TFP, during a marvelous lunch at Quinta de Vargellas.

Samples of 2001 Quinta do Noval Nacional and 2014 Noval Vintage Port. Can't wait to evaluate both of these!

I wish I was here today.

Not a bad Wednesday night, but this doesn't happen all that often ... at least not on a week night. 1850 D'Oliveiras Verdelho Madeira, 2003 Quinta do Noval and 1963 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Ports. Life is good and a great way to get my mind off politics.

Women with Port Day. Ok, so I just made that up. But these two young ladies are drinking decades old Tawny Ports, outdoors, in Porto. You really just can't beat that.

Last night in Edmonton we compared these two ports after a fine pizza dinner and lots of table wines. While I felt that both the Graham's and Fonseca were fantastic there was almost a unanimous vote for the 1985 Fonseca.

Afternoon evaluation session sipping these two fine Blandy's Madeira's.

Photos of large format bottles of Port wine from my home cellar.

The Historic Series, a joint venture by Vinhos Barbeito and RWC. It's an extremely delicious, popular and affordable grouping of Madeira that has introduced many in the United States to this fabulous drink. Each city featured on the label, was a historic port where Madeira was imported into the USA during the early days of our country's past

Anna Budarina's first visit to Quinta do Seixo. Anna works for SANDEMAN and loves Port & Douro wines!

From the cellar @ BULAS ... Douro beauty.

GRAPES @ Vindima:Ready, set, go!

Quinta Vista Alegre ... excellent Ports that don't get enough recognition. I am particularly enthralled by their wood-aged Ports. Anyone else?

Providing Port education is an essential part of what I love to do. During a visit to Quinta do Bomfim, home of DOW's Ports, we were able to highlight differences between Single Quinta Vintage Ports (Bomfim) and "generally declared" Vintage Ports (Dow's). Our guests were able to taste the difference between a SQVP and understand that in a big year like 2011, the grapes from Bomfim are just a component, as other properties owned by the Symington Family Estates are also specifically used for Dow's VPs.

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