Yes, its time for another cream sherry tasting note. This one kicks goals however…A buggar to take photos of though.
A really enticing nose of wood and nuts, with a touch of raisin, coco powder and nutmeg. Creamy and intense in the mouth with notes of hot chocolate, dried fruit, hot cinnamon, orange peel and nice wood. Plenty of length here, with a warm, nutty finish. A real winner with a hunk of Queso Mahon on a cold night. 90 Pts.
Source: Broadway Liquor Distributors Price: $30 Closure: Cork Stopper
Any idea how fresh this bottling is? Not so important for a sweetie I know. Broadway have not covered themselves in glory on this front in the past (which is perhaps a bit of a mean comment as they have changed quite a bit recently). I wish the Spanish would regulate to put the bottling date on a bottle. And I wish Seppeltsfield had done the same on their new range if they are so serious.
Freshness is always an issue with the finos and manzanillas, and I too wish the regulator would mandate stamping the bottling date or a drink-by date on the bottles. I have heard of people buying 2 year old fino, which just isn’t good enough.,
Broadway ship 4 times a year, so freshness shouldn’t be an issue these days.
First “Ànima Negra”, now “Queso Mahon” - it seems Baleares islands don’t go out of your mind… (LOL).
Freshnesh?
- Dow Port Tawny 20 years (classic) or Burmester Port Colheita 1955 (amazing)… best after 10 minutes in the fridde.
NOG
I think I need to get myself on a plane!
I’m very jealous of your access to these great ports, There are very few 20 year old tawnies available in Australia. Have you had a 77 Taylor lately? I’ve got a couple that I’m itching to open…
I have tasted a Taylor’s from the 70s, but I can’t remember if it was from 77. In any case, you are very lucky!
For something unique, nothing is better than a very old white port. When they are young, they are dry and they go excellent with tonic water – we call them “port-tonic”), but when they are old (more than 50 years) they are rare and turn brown and sweet. A taste similar to the great Madeiras…
You must get into the place: first you take Baleares, then you take Portugal…
NOG
VC brings in the 20 year old Taylors but that is about it. Picked some old bottlings up at auction but they have yet to arrive. I find it interesting that there are quite a few producers that make better wood-aged ports than their vintage offerings and as a result fly under the radar somewhat e.g. Kopke, Burmeister
I quite like this sherry by the way. Bought it a few times in Sydney and thought it good value. Can’t find it in Perth though.
cheers
Carl
TSA also bring in the 20 yo Vallado, and IFW/Bibendum do the 20yo Noval too. But thats about all I can find so far, admittedly I haven’t been looking that hard!
I like this too, I can find out where it’s available in WA if you like?
Nuno,
I had a couple of port tonics when I was in Porto last, quite nice but I prefer gin…
I am yet to see any quality white port in Australia. I have tasted a few (nieport and a few others), but they have all been young. I will have to keep an eye on the auctions for and old bottle (and Griff’s bidding by the sounds of it!)
Few bid on the wood ports but the vintage ports is another story! In the last year they have leapt up 50% at least. Annoying
I shall soothe myself by buying some 05 Taylors Vargellas halves at the shops.
And if you can find the sherry in WA that would be lovely
cheers
Carl
There is also something great about (very) old white port. They last for ever (even after you open the bottle they can last for up to one year). Just like Madeiras… what a difference if compared to vintage ports.
NOG
Old white ports are now on my wish list, are there any producers that you favour?
There are only a few… as a rule, old white ports are all excellent, because they are, in fact, very very rare. In any case, one of the best is the “Casa de Santa Eufemia Reserva Especial Branco (1973)”.
NOG
Also available: Niepoort Old Dry.