Port

[Ross1988]

So it's Christmas soon, and my Ma loves Ports, specifically Tawney port, But I know nothing about port whatsoever, can any of you kind lot possibly give me any advice on what to look for? Or a website that can cater (If someone knows a local supplier, all the better)

Cheers

Ross

[sgrimshaw]

Warres Otima is a good value choice.

Tesco carries it.

[Podie]

What's your budget?

[Ross1988]

Hmm I'm not sure, 30-60 quid maybe, might push to something a little more, depends how well you sell it to I guess!

[Podie]

Have a look for a Colheita - rather than a blend its from a single harvest or vintage, but still very similar to a tawny in terms of taste.

[jinkster]

Can anyone recommend Fortnum and Mason's Port? http://www.fortnumandmason.com/p-5553-the-vintage-...

[Podie]

It's ok, IMO. A Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas will cost less and have a more intense flavour.

[toasty]

Was very tempted to try this out at M&S but have another bottle of port gathering dust already.

http://www.marksandspencer.com/20-Year-Old-Tawny-P...

[AmitG]

Berry Brothers' own brand port is good value IMHO. They do a range of styles including tawny.

www.bbr.com

No connection other than as a satisfied customer.

[krallicious]

toasty said:

Was very tempted to try this out at M&S but have another bottle of port gathering dust already.

http://www.marksandspencer.com/20-Year-Old-Tawny-P...

Nothing better for that price IMO.

[Cheib]

For £30-£60 or "maybe a little bit more" you can get a bottle from one of the "declared vintages" that are drinking at the moment. I am not an expert but I believe 77,82 and 83 are the vintages to be looking for from one of the well known shippers.

You might struggle to find it online but someone like BBR will sell those vintages by he bottle from their shop. They can probably do mail order if you need it....

It's probably £60 or more but I'd say if you know someone that really loves there port it's worth it. It'll blow the socks off anything you can buy in s shop or supermarket for £30.

Obviously wine/port this age is a bit of a gamble as it can be corked but if you buy from someone like BBR they'd replace it no questions asked.

[Cheib]

jinkster said:

Can anyone recommend Fortnum and Mason's Port? http://www.fortnumandmason.com/p-5553-the-vintage-...

Fortnum's own brand wine is very good....that's made by Niepoort so will be decent.

Not sure how they do it but all Fortnum's own label wine is accredited to who they source it from. Their own brand Rose Champagne is made by Billecart-Salmon and is excellent value.

[Phud]

Fonseca Bin27 is a easy port.

Sometimes Tesco's play a winter blinder and have good vintage ports at cheap prices.

if you want a special port, Warre's Royal Oporto, Taylors '85 or 83 are drinking very well

[Ross1988]

Thanks a lot everyone, I'll have a look and I'll report back.

Incidentally, do Berry Brothers have a shop near St James, If so I've been there before, they have a agreement with JJ.Foxes, the cigar shop, you tell them what you smoke and they'll recommend you a wine to go with it.

Fantastic place, and well reminded.

[AmitG]

Ross1988 said:

Incidentally, do Berry Brothers have a shop near St James

That's the one. Lovely place and really nice staff.