The Wine Thread

[Gabe215]

Thank you for the info, maybe I'll see if they have a 750 ml bottle, I didn't notice if they had a smaller bottle as I couldn't take my eyes off the magnum. I might be able to finish it off in 4-5 days if I have guests over, I've developed a love for port but that's a lot in a short amount of time, maybe wait to open during holidays! Vintage ports have driven corks correct? Also I bought one of these, will this do the trick for decanting, haven't used it yet I got this for an unfiltered LBV I have yet to open?
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[Gabe215]

Oh and went through a bottle of this tonight, wee bit better than 6 grapes!!
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[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Gabe215

Thank you for the info, maybe I'll see if they have a 750 ml bottle, I didn't notice if they had a smaller bottle as I couldn't take my eyes off the magnum. I might be able to finish it off in 4-5 days if I have guests over, I've developed a love for port but that's a lot in a short amount of time, maybe wait to open during holidays! Vintage ports have driven corks correct? Also I bought one of these, will this do the trick for decanting, haven't used it yet I got this for an unfiltered LBV I have yet to open?

Geez, when I have port nights are my house, we plan on 1 to 1.5 bottles per person and don't leave until it's all finished....

The only way to really open up a wine (or port) is to pour in a decanter, swirl it around a couple of times and just wait it out. That bottle of '85 Warres has been in a bottle almost 30 years, it takes some time to come out of its nap and should not be rushed. The funnel will help open the wine up, but so will making sure the wine goes down the side of the decanter in a thin sheen. Make the wine go down the sides of the decanter, not directly to the bottom.

If you do buy the magnum, you can leave bottle upright and just pour out what you want for the night into a decanter and try not to unsettle what is in the decanter. You might get a few more days out of the magnum if you prevent aeration. Honestly, I think you'll enjoy the port more if you get a chance to drink more than just a glass or two. Try really "going for it" and enjoy the experience. Remember, at least 6-7 hours in the decanter before the main event. Make sure to try port from when you first decant until serving time to educate you on how it changes over time.

That's going to be a fun night of port.

[Gabe215]

Thanks Moses!! You are the man and have taught me a lot since my journey into red wines through your PM's with me way back, and with port on this thread, thank you very much!! Considering I drank that whole bottle of Cockburns SR last night I'm sure I'll put a hurting on that Vintage, and as you said I will definitely "go for it" lol.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Gabe215

Thanks Moses!! You are the man and have taught me a lot since my journey into red wines through your PM's with me way back, and with port on this thread, thank you very much!! Considering I drank that whole bottle of Cockburns SR last night I'm sure I'll put a hurting on that Vintage, and as you said I will definitely "go for it" lol.

'85 Warres out of a magnum is going to be a fun experience. Wish I was there! I had a magnum of '70 Warres a few years ago. Doesn't come around that much. Grahams, Dow, & Fonseca are the best (along with Warres) of the vintage. Avoid Croft, Noval, and Sandeman for this vintage. Odd times for port in the early-mid 80's.

Things turned around for everyone by 1990 and has been producing excellent vintages steadily since.

[Gabe215]

Went down today and bought the magnum, just a few more questions, one is when I bought it, the store was storing all the vintage ports standing upright, not how I thought they were supposed to be laying Down with the white wax facing up. Since the bottle is so old is there a chance the cork dried up and the port spoiled? I doubt the bottle has been in the store for 29 years, but who knows?? Also when you said to decant for 6-7 hours before drinking do you mean in an open top decanter to aerate the wine or one that has a glass lid to pour and strain then put the lid on? Thanks

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Gabe215

Went down today and bought the magnum, just a few more questions, one is when I bought it, the store was storing all the vintage ports standing upright, not how I thought they were supposed to be laying Down with the white wax facing up. Since the bottle is so old is there a chance the cork dried up and the port spoiled? I doubt the bottle has been in the store for 29 years, but who knows?? Also when you said to decant for 6-7 hours before drinking do you mean in an open top decanter to aerate the wine or one that has a glass lid to pour and strain then put the lid on? Thanks

I doubt it has been standing up that long either and it's fine if it stays standing for the short term as well.

Yes, the 6-7 hours is in a decanter poured from the magnum through a layer of cheesecloth.

Easiest method is to pour the whole magnum into a decanter (or whatever glass container large enough - even 2 different ones) with cheesecloth. Rinse the magnum out with just cold water to get all sediment out of it. Pour the port back into the magnum. Take a small initial glass for a "pop and pour taste". Continue taking very small glasses hourly until 6-7 hour minimum period before serving. You'll get to see how the port evolves over time.

[Gabe215]

My Latest Purchases!!
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