Vintage Port Tasting at Wine Watch

Friday, November 21, 2014 - 07:00 PM

This Event has been read: 1872 times.

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"I made wine out of raisins so I wouldn't have to wait for it to age." -  Steven Wright

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We will be taking down some high alcohol wines on Friday November 21st.   And around the holiday season we start thinking about one of my favorite types of high octane wines- vintage Port. This type of wine was created hundreds of years ago to appease the English thirst for wine during their hundred year’s war with France during the 14th and 15th centuries.

There are several types of fortified wines but Vintage Port is considered by those in the know to be among the world's finest high octane grape juice elixir. The really old ports from the Duero River Valley are incredible today and they are getting harder and harder to find making this tasting qualify for our "Once in Lifetime" status with wines like the 1955 Martinez.

A "Vintage" year is only declared 2-3 times a decade by most major port houses. This declaration happens two years after the vintage and the wines are bottled shortly after so they spend just 2 years in the oak casks. Most people consider these young vintage ports in need of more bottle age to drink them in their prime, so 10-20 years is a must but these old dogs tonight are all over 40 years old.

Join us as we experience this legendary 1955 vintage port along with 6 other vintage ports from classic vintages like a flight of 1960's, 1964 and 1977.  Wine Watch Caterings Toni Lampasone will be making a few small courses to accompany the old dogs. The fee for this tasting is $250.00 + Tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463.

 

Vintage Port Tasting at Wine Watch
Friday, November 21, 2014
7:00 PM

 

Tasting Line-Up:

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1955 Martinez Vintage Port

Martinez was founded in 1790 by the Spaniard Sebastian Gonzalez Martinez, who, from his base in the City of London sold sherry, cigars and Port which was sourced from a number of producers and sold on to British merchants for bottling under their own names.  In 1822 he went into partnership with an Englishman, John Peter Gassiot, a Member of The Royal Society and amateur scientist.  By the time Sebastian Martinez retired in 1849, the company had become the largest shipper of Port to the UK, with its own lodges in Oporto acquired in 1834.

In the early 20th century, at a time when many Port shippers were struggling, Martinez sold shares on the London Stock Exchange and became a public company.  In the early 1960’s Martinez was purchased by British wine merchant John Harvey, who also rather ironically acquired Cockburn’s, at the time Martinez’s foremost rival.

In 2006 the firm was acquired by the Symington Family who have set out to revitalise the Martinez brand and reinforce its reputation for fine Vintage Ports.

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1960 Martinez Vintage Port

…at best a good wine, lovely vinosity, fairly sweet, full-bodied, lean, hard, rather Taylor-like backbone, distinctive style. Spicy, drinking well. Score: 4 Stars
Michael Broadbent MW

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1960 Quinta DO Noval Nacional Vintage Port

 “This wine is a mysterious phenomenon, a magical wine produced in extremely limited quantities and only in a few years each decade. It is the expression of a terroir and confirms something that is for me a deeply held belief. The Nacional is great because of the grapes and where they come from, not because of anything particular that we do. It has a unique personality, an extraordinary intensity and, even after many years of ageing, retains an astonishing youthfulness.” Christian Seely

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1960 Fonseca Vintage Port

Good rainfall throughout the year. Although the month of May was wet, no damage was done to the fruit as the vines were very backward.  June was warm and July was hot.  There was a good berry set, and then fully mature berries appeared larger than usual.  The weather was very hot at the end of August and the first week of September.

Although some farms began picking as early as the 8th September, the general starting date was the 19th September.  The weather was fine and warm till the 23rd after which it was dull, rainy and cool.  The wines took a lot of work and the colour was good.  Bruce Guimaraens harvest note states at the time, "The wines are full of flavour, a bit on the green side, but should turn out well."

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1964 Pocas Colheita

The Colheita it is a high quality Port issued from a single harvest, aged in oak casks for at least seven years. During maturation in wood, the young, fresh and fruity aromas will turn in to an elegant and complex bouquet combined with a silky texture and a long lasting finish.

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1977 Fonseca Vintage Port

100 points James Suckling: "I found a bottle of 1977 Fonseca in my cellar - probably my last. It was absolutely gorgeous. I gave this fortified wine a perfect score in its youth and I think it has finally evolved into its perfection as a mature vintage Port. Here is the tasting note. 1977 Fonseca Vintage Port: This is in total balance now with such harmony. What amazing aromas of berry and flowers. Full and sweet, the tannins are complete dissolved. The fruit is perfect. This goes on for minutes. Drink now. But it will go forever." (08/2013)

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1978 Krohn Colheita

Colheita is the term used to indicate a tawny port from one vintage, and it offers something that no 20- or 30-year old, non-vintage tawny can, even one of the highest quality. What does it offer, you ask? Distinctiveness. The 1978 Krohn, made from a very small harvest in a rather difficult year, is a rich mahogany color with pronounced nuttiness on the nose and a silky texture. Wonderful with triple crème cheese. Divine with crème brulee.

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1977 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port

There is an explosion of fruit and tannins in the mouth but at the same time this wine is in total harmony. Deep dark ruby, with blackberries and violets on the nose, full-bodied, with masses of blackberry flavors, full, hard tannins and a very long finish. Will age for decades. (JS)

 

Menu

 

Selection of Cheese:  Stilton Blue, Hard English Cheddar, Beemster Gouda

Cracked pepper seared veal carpaccio with sundried cherry and fresh basil blue cheese aioli

Crispy pork belly with orange marmalde glaze served with jalapeno honey buttered corn bread

The fee for this tasting is $250 per person.  There are only 15 seats available for this event.

 

 

Vintage Port Available in the store:

 

2000 Croft Vintage Port
Price: $85.50    Your Price: $75.24
Quantity in Stock: 6

(90 points)  "A striking, individualistic nose of spring flowers, blackberries, blueberries, and lead pencil shavings emerges from this saturated purple-colored 2000. Evolved yet expansive, sweet, and generous, it admirably conceals moderately high tannins under a wealth of fruit and glycerin. The aromatic profile and attack merit a score in the mid-nineties, but the finish is short, thus lowering the overall rating. My instincts suggest there is more to this port than it revealed the days I tasted it. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025?"  The Wine Advocate

 

2009 Croft Vintage Port
Price: $85.50    Your Price: $75.24
Quantity in Stock: 2

(95 Points) "Redolent of blackberry and dark fruits, this also features a fascinating mix of mocha, graphite and tobacco. Very juicy as well, which features into the finish of fine-grained tannins and spice. An exuberant and refined Vintage Port. Best from 2020 through 2050. 5,000 cases made."    Wine Spectator

 

2003 Dows Vintage Port
Price: $84.50    Your Price: $74.36
Quantity in Stock: 11

(94 Points) "The complex aromatics of the opaque, black-colored 2003 Dow Vintage Port display chocolate, dried oak, black cherries, blackberries, copious spices, and a myriad flowers. This fresh, backward wine offers a medium to full-bodied, deeply concentrated core of spice-laced dark fruits. Softly-textured and seductive in the mid-palate, it boasts abundant layers of candied Damson plums, blueberries, black cherries, molasses, and hints of chocolate before revealing its firm structure. Extremely youthful and primary, this exceptional effort demands patience. Projected maturity: 2025-2045+."  The Wine Advocate

 

2003 Fonseca Vintage Port
Price: $101.25    Your Price: $89.10
Quantity in Stock: 17

(96+ Points) Sporting an opaque, black-colored robe with dark purple trim, the 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port exhibits a nose of profound depth. Its sweet black mass of dark fruit and spice aromas leads to a character of immense depth, richness, and weight. Full-bodied, viscous, and almost impenetrable, this dense, backward port is powerful and exceptionally long in the finish. Possibly the most masculine Fonseca I’ve ever encountered, it coats the taster’s palate with licorice, jammy black fruits, and notes of chocolate that last for over a minute. This blockbuster will require at least three decades to fully blossom. Anticipated maturity: 2035-2060.Wine Advocate # 161 Oct 2005

 

1997 Fonseca Vintage Port
Price: $90.00    Your Price: $79.20
Quantity in Stock: 25

(93 Points) Somewhat of a lightweight for Fonseca, but undeniably charming, this dark ruby/purple-colored wine offers a floral, exotic, flamboyant bouquet, a sweet, fleshy style, but not a great deal of weight or massiveness. Heady alcohol, sweet tannin, and a velvety texture make for a gorgeous finish. While I would have preferred to have seen more weight, structure, and intensity, this is an outstanding, albeit lighter than normal Fonseca. Anticipated maturity: now-2020 Wine Advocate # 126 Jan 2000

 

2007 Fonseca Vintage Port 375ml
Price: $45.00    Your Price: $39.60
Quantity in Stock: 10

Cooked raspberry, with hints of lemon peel and leaf. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with a beautiful density and a sweet fruity and tannic aftertaste. Balanced yet muscular. A little disappointing, but clearly outstanding. Score range: 92-95 –JS Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2009

 

2005 Fonseca Quinta de Panascal Vintage Port (375ml)
Price: $29.50    Your Price: $25.96
Quantity in Stock: 5

A Quinta do Panascal Vintage Port is produced only when a general Fonseca declaration is not made, as this wine forms the backbone of a Fonseca Vintage Port blend. The decision to bottle a Quinta do Vintage is taken when the wine is judged to be of exceptional quality. The wine will spend two years ageing in vat before being bottled and will be released when it is ready to drink, normally 10 years after the harvest. These wines are lovely and intense and show great fruit, balance and structure.

 

1996 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port
Price: $575.00    Your Price: $506.00
Quantity in Stock: 2

(95 Points) Supple, with rich chocolate and dark plum flavors balanced by fresh, ferrous notes. A touch closed now, and filled with plenty of rich smoky and inky notes that take on an almost oily consistency. Very firm finish.—Non-blind Quinta do Noval Nacional retrospective (February 2011). Best from 2015 through 2030. 250 cases made. –KM Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2011

 

1985 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port
Price: $90.00    Your Price: $79.20
Quantity in Stock: 5

(90 Points) My experience with Smith-Woodhouse is limited. Is the 1985 the sleeper of the vintage? An astonishing amount of creamy, black-cherry and chocolate-scented fruit fills the nose. On the palate, this full-bodied wine is loaded with extract, great length, and has super finish with plenty of fruit and tannin in proper balance. Buying Guide, 2nd Edition Jan 1989 Reviewer: Robert Parker

 

1994 Smith Woodhouse Vinatge Port
Price: $99.00    Your Price: $87.12
Quantity in Stock: 6

(90 Points) An under-rated producer, Smith-Woodhouse has turned out a port with an impressively saturated dark ruby/purple color. This powerful port is moderately sweet, forward, rich, and full-bodied, with nicely integrated alcohol and tannin. While it is not one of the vintage's blockbusters, it should be ready to drink in 3-5 years and keep for 15-20. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2018. Wine Advocate #107 Oct 1996 Reviewer: Robert Parker

 

2003 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
Price: $101.25    Your Price: $89.10
Quantity in Stock: 7

(98 points)The 2003 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port improved each time I raised it to my nose or mouth. It displays a black color and a salty, graphite-laced nose packed with sweet black fruits that is reminiscent of a stellar vintage of Chateau Latour. With air, notes of molasses, burnt sugar, spices, and jammy plums emanate from the glass. Full-bodied, hugely dense, immensely rich, as well as thick, this behemoth is also amazingly balanced and harmonious. Raisins, molasses, licorice, black cherries, plums, and a distinctive note of violets are found in its complex, seamless character. Its interminable finish reveals additional notes of chocolate, kirsch, red as well as black currants, dark cherries, and rose blossoms. Armed with exceptional power, depth, and purity, this Taylor will proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest ever crafted by the Fladgate Partnership. Projected maturity: 2035-2060. Wine Advocate #161 (Oct. 2005 issue)

 

2000 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port Magnum
Price: $425.00    Your Price: $374.00
Quantity in Stock: 1

(98 Points) Among the most saturated blue/purple/black-colored examples of the vintage, Taylor's 2000 tastes like a young vintage of Chateau Latour on steroids. Aromas of graphite, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis and smoke jump from the glass. Spectacularly concentrated and enormously endowed, with sweetness allied to ripe tannin, decent acidity, and layer upon layer of fruit and extract, this is the leading candidate for the port of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040.

 

1997 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
Price: $90.00    Your Price: $79.20
Quantity in Stock: 16

(96 points)Saturated black/purple-colored, with stunning aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and iron, this spectacular vintage port is one of the stars of the vintage. Extremely full-bodied, with silky tannin, spectacular concentration and purity, multiple flavor levels, and an evolved, forward personality, this is an exquisite yet precocious 1997 vintage port. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030. Wine Advocate #126 (Jan 2000 issue)

 

1964 Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port
Price: $300.00    Your Price: $264.00
Quantity in Stock: 4

Taylor's holds one of the most extensive reserves of very old cask aged Port of any producer. They include a collection of rare Single Harvest Ports. These are Ports from a single year which age to full maturity in seasoned oak casks and display the year of harvest on the label.

Taylor’s has decided to make a limited release, each year, of a Single Harvest Port made 50 years previously.

The first in the series is a 1964 Single Harvest of exceptional character.  The 1964 Single Harvest release will be followed a year later by the launch of an equally rare and exceptional 1965. Further annual releases of 50 year old Single Harvest Ports will follow

During its five decades of ageing in oak casks, this wine has taken on an attractive pale mahogany colour with olive amber highlights. On the nose the wine displays fine oaky aromas and complex spicy, nutty, cigar box notes against a warm mellow background of butterscotch and molasses. The smooth velvety palate is lifted by a crisp acidity which gives the wine an attractive freshness in spite of its age. The finish is immensely long with rich, spicy, black pepper flavours lingering on the palate. Finely constituted and beautifully balanced, this rare Single Harvest Port would be an exceptional tribute to any 50th anniversary.

 

1945 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
Price: $1950.00    Your Price: $1716.00
Quantity in Stock: 1

(97 Points) Nearly as sublime as the '48, this is a majestic wine in its own right, with a superb concentration of fruit and a firm structure. Deep, dark ruby with a garnet edge, ripe raisin, almond and cedar aromas, full-bodied, with masses of ripe grape and almond flavors and medium tannins that tickle your palate on the finish. Built to age for centuries but amazing to drink now. –JS  Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 1989

 

Taylor Fladgate 40 Year Tawny Port
Price: $213.75    Your Price: $188.10
Quantity in Stock: 1

Lush, silky richness reminiscent of caramel with an elegant, slightly austere quality which is quite distinctive. Intense bronze in color with subtle dried fruit flavors underlying rich, exotic layers of burnt sugar and nuts culminating in an endless finish, Taylor, Fladgate Over Forty Year Old Tawny is superb with cheeses, nuts and rich desserts, and stands alone as an ultimate digestif.

Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port
Price: $52.50    Your Price: $46.20
Quantity in Stock: 4

Another magnificent and finely-balanced old tawny blend of outstanding richness and complexity. This rare Port is traditionally enjoyed as a dessert wine or at the end of the meal. Ideal for summer drinking, Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny may be served cool.

 

1970 Warre's Vinatge Port
Price: $130.50    Your Price: $114.84
Quantity in Stock: 6

(88 Points) Wonderful fruit on the palate, but slightly one-dimensional. Medium to deep red, with earthy cassis and tomato aromas, full-bodied, with concentrated black cherry flavors, medium tannins and a long, sweet finish. Quite delicate. –JS Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 1989

 

1980 Warre's Vinatge Port
Price: $130.50    Your Price: $114.84
Quantity in Stock: 1

Over the centuries the company has made memorable wines which have earned for it First Growth status alongside a very small group of other elite producers. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Warre’s produced some of the greatest Vintage Ports ever made such as the 1870, 1887, 1896, the great 1904, the legendary 1908 and several more, all of which played a very significant role in establishing Port as one of the world’s finest wines.

 

1985 Warre's Vintage Port
Price: $130.50    Your Price: $114.84
Quantity in Stock: 3

(91 points) Ruby-colored, with grape, dark chocolate and plum. Full and chewy. Tannins are still there and need to mellow. Medium-sweet and grapey. A little one-dimensional still, but impressive. '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective. Drink now. –JS Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2008

 

1991 Warre's Vinatge Port
Price: $130.50    Your Price: $114.84
Quantity in Stock: 1

 

1994 Warre's Vintage Port
 Price: $130.50    Your Price: $114.84
Quantity in Stock: 1

(95 Points)  A great surprise for the vintage. Displays fabulous concentration and complex character with it's layers of very sweet fruit, chocolate and cherry aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins. Long finish with plenty of grip. Beautiful wine. Best after 2008. 13,000 cases made. –JS  Wine Spectator Issue: Apr 30, 1997 Top 100: 1997, Rank: 15

 

2000 Warre's Vintage Port
Price: $79.00    Your Price: $69.52
Quantity in Stock: 8

(91 Points) Straightforward yet intense, ripe black raspberry liqueur and cassis scents are followed by a medium to full-bodied, elegant, restrained, balanced port with moderately high tannin as well as outstanding purity. It is a vintage port with impeccable finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Wine Advocate # 143, Oct 2002

 

Some Everyday Ports: 

 

2008 Dows Late Bottled Vintage Port
Price: $24.75    Your Price: $21.78
Quantity in Stock: 7

 

2008 W & J Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port
Price: $26.00    Your Price: $22.88
Quantity in Stock: 12

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage possesses attractive liquorice and floral aromas and fresh, ripe blackberry fruit flavours. It epitomizes Graham’s house style very effectively: great rich fruit concentration with spicy complexity and depth, held together by superb structure and balance.

 

2005 Ramos Pinto Port LBV
Price: $30.00    Your Price: $26.40
Quantity in Stock: 3

(90 points) Very grapey, with dense, concentrated flavors of dark plum, chocolate, cherry and spice. Mocha and dark chocolate notes, with raisin hints, linger on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 4,600 cases made. “KM Issue: Dec 15, 2010

 

Quinta Do Noval 10 year Port
Price: $40.75    Your Price: $35.86
Quantity in Stock: 11

A deliciously crisp, fresh style with intense fruit.  A perfect expression of the Noval Tawny style. It has acquired the classical attributes of an old Tawny Port, while at the same time retaining much of the freshness and fruit of its youth.  Noval 10 year old Tawny is a blend of old Ports from different vintages that have matured all their life in oak casks, with an average age of 10 years.

 

Quinta Do Noval 20 year Port
Price: $87.25    Your Price: $76.78
Quantity in Stock: 5

Irresistible freshness with all the complexity of age.  Harmonious and balanced, fine, elegant and long, with all the aromatic complexity typical of Noval Tawny Ports. Noval 20 year old Tawny is a blend of old Ports from different vintages that have matured all their life in oak casks, with an average age of 20 years.

 

A few GREAT Values that are not from Portugal but they are fortified wines from Australia and for the price it is hard to beat these two if you like the Tawny style fortified wines.

 

Buller Muscat Australia (375ml)
List Price: $16.50        Sale Price: $9.75
Quantity in Stock: 55

(96 Points) The N.V. Fine Muscat offers the most complexity of this hedonistic trio. Dark amber-colored, it delivers flavors of toffee, caramel, brown sugar, and dates. All three are well balanced and have long, pure finishes. They are extraordinary values. Wine Advocate # 178 Aug 2008

R.L. Buller & Son was founded in 1921 by the grandfather of Andrew Buller, the current winemaker. The winery remains one of the benchmarks in the production of fortified sweet wines from the warm terroir of Rutherglen. Wine Advocate # 181 Feb 2009

 

Buller Tokay Tawny (375ml)
Price: $16.50    Sale Price: $9.75
Quantity in Stock: 89

(91 Points) Syrupy sweet, but not too rich, with lots of honey and spice flavors that persist appealingly on the long, delicately balanced finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases made. –HS Wine Spectator Issue: May 15, 2004

 

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