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On 24 Aug 2004 01:02:18 GMT, (Hunt) wrote:

>In article >,
says...
>>
>>But, on topic, I like the reserve tawnies, Taylor Fladgate and others
>>produce them in 10, 20 and 40 year styles and for my taste the 20 year
>>is the best value for the money. I've tried some of the LBV's and find
>>too much variation for me to get a sense of what they are about.
>>Typically they come across as more ruby than tawny and not what I
>>prefer. And, having entered the serious port game too late in life, I
>>didn't lay down bottles of vintage ports when young to be enjoyed now
>>and I can't afford vintage port that is drinkable which someone else
>>has laid down.
>>
>>Fallback position for me has been a dependence upon the Australian
>>"ports" which are mostly in the tawny style (at least what shows up in
>>my area). For $8-20/bottle, I get a warm, comfortable port that I
>>don't hesitate to consume. Clocktower is a pretty good example as is
>>Whiskers Blake which I usually throw in the shopping cart whenever I'm
>>in the giant liquor emporium whether I need it or not.
>>
>>Recently I bought four bottles of Quinta Noval Silvado 2000,
>>recommended by Sam's in Chicago. Don't know what is in store, but will
>>probably pull a cork on the first cold night in Colorado this fall.
>>
>>
>>Ed Rasimus
>
>Ed,
>
>In the "old days" Applejacks in Littleton, had a wonderful Port section with
>many, many older Ports are reasonable prices. Last time I was up there though,
>they were more BnB wine, and not even a shadow of their former self. However,
>in Denver, The Vineyard, in Cherry Creek N had a very nice selection of Ports
>with a few years on them. The prices were a bit up from Applejack's, but still
>affordable.
>
>It's getting to the point now, where I question the acquisition of recently
>released Vintage Ports, because I won't live to enjoy them - so glad I put in
>tons of '63s, '70's, '77s, "84s (never quite lived up to my expectations), and
>'94s. I wish now I'd done even more '94s, but hey, we all know about
>hindsight.
>
>The guys up in Boulder (both Master Sommeliers), whose company's name I cannot
>recall, also had some very nice aged Vintage Ports. How I miss my old
>selections, because in AZ, the prices are over the top, and the selections are
>in the cellars (figuratively).
>
>I, too, think that the Taylor 20 yo Tawny is the top of the Tawny list.
>Another that I'd recommend is the Porto Barros 20 Anos (obviously with the ~
>on the n). Those two are as good as it gets, and the Porto Barros is so rare
>here, that it is the cost of anyone from Denver coming to stay at my place and
>play Winter golf!
>
>To Port,
>Hunt

C'mon down to the Springs. Cheer's still remains a wonderful store for
bargains in wine and they continue to offer a reasonable selection of
ports. And, they've been stocking my personal favorite in "Brandy de
Jerez" Cardenal Mendoza. Add in a reliable source for Rex Goliath and
a sale at $4.99/bottle about once a month and you've got a good reason
for the trip.

For premium wines and even more port choices, try Colorado Liquor
Outlet--original store on Briargate Blvd near Academy and new,
"largest in Colorado" shop on Woodmen Road near Carefree. They don't
advertise in the paper, so you won't get the lure of an Applejack or
Countyline ad once a week. They do feature a wine boutique section
that showcases some fine wines (and a cooler room attached for the
whites and sparklers!) I've found some exceptional bargains there
including a Ridge Monte Bello at $65 (could have ordered direct from
Ridge for $120) as well as some nice Italians, Rhones and Bordeaux.

Might be worth your while to take a look. Besides, Colo. Springs needs
the money!

Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
"Phantom Flights, Bangkok Nights"
Both from Smithsonian Books
***www.thunderchief.org