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Re: wine thread (port tasting)
chesseroo #95717 01/28/07 12:38 AM
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I'll have to agree with you on Wine Spectators attitudes and alliances, when we were in Napa and Paso touring wineries several of the vinyard owners we met scoffed at some of Wine spectators top 100 choices stating that advertising and support do as much as having a great wine.
Agreed they do have some usefull articles, but I'm putting in my order for the book you mentioned. Have fun tonight.


A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Re: wine thread (port tasting)
chesseroo #95718 01/28/07 08:00 PM
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Apparently the port was pretty good. Chess hasn't dragged himself out of bed yet.

Re: wine thread (port tasting)
pmbuko #95719 01/28/07 11:08 PM
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Quote:

Apparently the port was pretty good. Chess hasn't dragged himself out of bed yet



Ironic that just as i read this i had just returned from the wine store.
What a FANTASTIC evening.
10 ports
Ranging between $19 and $150 (cdn).
Tawnies, rubies, vintages, late bottled vintages, whites.
I'll list them soon.
Dinner first.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: wine thread (port tasting- the notes)
chesseroo #95720 01/30/07 03:28 AM
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Ok the ports tasted, in order (and they were in a specific order for a reason) were:

  • Warre's Fine White ==============================$16.41
  • Taylor Fladgate 10 yr old Tawny =================$41.95
  • Dow's 1992 Colheita Tawny =======================$29.44
  • Graham's 20 yr old Tawny ========================$69.99
    This set done in order of increasing age for tawnies.

  • Dutschke Old Codger Tawny =======================$21.99
    This tawny added as a non-Portugal offering for comparison.

  • Quinto do Infantado Medium Dry Estate Ruby =======$19.49
  • Quinto do Infantado 1996 Late Bottled Vintage ====$37.95
  • Quinto do Infantado 2000 Vintage =================$76.95
    This set done to compare increasing age of vintage style red ports, all from the same quinto.

  • Fonseca 1986 Guimaraens Vintage ==================$69.09
  • Smith Woodhouse 1997 Vintage =====================$60.02
  • Quinto do Infantado 2000 Vintage =================$76.95 (tested again here in this set)
  • Quinta do Noval 2003 Vintage =====================$150
    This set done to compare some higher priced premium ports from vintage years


I have notes on each, but that would make for an extensive post. If anyone wants further specifics, i can provide.
Otherwise, a short summary should hopefully suffice.


  • Warre's Fine White $16.41
    -simple, aperitif, cooking, drink cold

  • Taylor Fladgate 10 yr old Tawny $41.95
    -very standard, lots of alcohol

  • Dow's 1992 Colheita Tawny $29.44
    -a very good value for its price, drinking well

  • Graham's 20 yr old Tawny $69.99
    -very standard, lots of heat, subtle flavors, not worth the cost

  • Dutschke Old Codger Tawny $21.99
    -a new, personal favorite, much more sweet than the previous 4, very heavy butterscotch and caramel, smooth texture, controlled alcohol. It may have more sweetness but it also has a much richer character, something i like in a flavorful tawny. This is Australian.

  • Quinto do Infantado Medium Dry Estate Ruby $19.49
    -inky garnet, strong fruit, sweet cherry, young but for a great price

  • Quinto do Infantado 1996 Late Bottled Vintage $37.95
    -the overall best of the night, dark blackcurrant bouquent, very clean mouth feel, well balanced, drinking well

  • Quinto do Infantado 2000 Vintage $76.95
    -the biggest disappointment of the night, still young, may be in a sleepy stage, definitely needs a ton of bottle ageing, still a crapshoot into the future

  • Fonseca 1986 Guimaraens Vintage $69.09
    -heavy alchohol, anise and tar flavours, disappointing all around

  • Smith Woodhouse 1997 Vintage $60.02
    -another disappointment, compared to ANY in the evening this was thin and watery but had lovely brown sugar notes and molasses, not drinking well for its price

  • Quinta do Noval 2003 Vintage $150
    -floral bouquet, black cherry, inky, peppery, clean finish, this is going to be a wicked port in 15-30 years!!



If anyone wants to start with a good flavored, sweet, inexpensive soft port, i would recommend the Dutschke Old Codger.
If you prefer the vintage style (red), i would have to recommend you put out a bit more cash and get the 1996 Late Bottled Vintage or if you prefer to spend less, the Medium Dry Estate Ruby is a good shot. Just watch out for its slightly overdone heat.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: wine thread (port tasting- the notes)
chesseroo #95721 01/30/07 06:34 AM
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Excellent, Chess! Thank you so much. I envy your experience, and appreciate you sharing your thoughts.


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Re: wine thread (port tasting- the notes)
chesseroo #95722 01/30/07 01:47 PM
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Thanks Chess.

I like a good port every now and then. I tend to migrate back to the Grahams 20 year though. I've tried the 40 year and thought is was grossly overpriced in comparison to the 20 year. Plus I get the 20 year for 40 bucks a bottle.

I'll try some of these others you mention.

Re: wine thread (port tasting- the notes)
michael_d #95723 01/30/07 02:00 PM
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I'm have a bottle of Warre's Warrior (non-vintage) at home now. Picked it up at Costco for about $13. It's pretty tasty. I can post more detailed notes later if anyone wants. It's actually the first store-bought port I've had in a long time. I usually get them directly from wineries or portworks.

Re: wine thread (port tasting- the notes)
michael_d #95724 01/31/07 03:35 AM
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Quote:

I tend to migrate back to the Grahams 20 year though. I've tried the 40 year and thought is was grossly overpriced in comparison to the 20 year. Plus I get the 20 year for 40 bucks a bottle.



I highly recommend you continue to look abroad for more options. The Grahams was really very generic. Many of those ports were like comparing a Coors Light to a microbrew quality. I was starting to lose faith that i was a port drinker, until i had that Old Codger and those fine rubies.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: wine thread (port tasting- the notes)
chesseroo #95725 01/31/07 05:25 PM
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Great review Chess, there is obviously much that I do not know about port. Now perhaps I'll purchase one of the ports you enjoyed and compare it to what I have at home.


A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Re: wine thread (port tasting- the notes)
HomeDad #95726 01/31/07 05:40 PM
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axiomite
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Quote:

there is obviously much that I do not know about port



If you buy that Oxford Companion to Wine book, it will tell you everything about any subject that has to do with wine. I've very much enjoyed the sections on the chemistry myself.
The history, styles and process of port making is about three pages long.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
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