We started the Guys’ Port Weekend in early 2021 when I connected with a few of my Port-loving friends from Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, and Las Vegas and suggested we get together for a casual weekend of wine, Ports, and catching up. Our first weekend was so much fun that we decided to make it a quarterly event. Unlike many of the formal tastings we have attended together with carefully curated lineups, intense discussion, and copious tasting notes, we decided that these gatherings would be low-key and focused on just enjoying the weekend, the wines, and each other’s company.
For the August 2023 edition of the Guys’ Port Weekend, the guys converged at my place in Seattle for a weekend of great wines and friendship. As is always the case with our get-togethers, we have rules: 1) we open whatever we want when we want, and 2) tasting notes are optional. That’s pretty much it.
David was unable to make it to Seattle for the weekend festivities, so I picked up Eric and Andy from the airport on Friday afternoon and we headed back to my place.
One of my favorite things about these weekends is when we first get together and start pulling out the wines that we’ve brought for the weekend. Everyone has deep cellars and generously brings amazing bottles, so it is exciting not only to see what great wines lay ahead for us but also to try to see if there is any logical order that makes sense for us to taste them (Rule #1 above notwithstanding).
1992 Quinta de Eria Vella Vintage Port – Deep, velvety purple with subtle bricking. The nose reveals enticing aromas of chocolate and herbs. The palate offers a rich intensity with herbal and mint undertones. The finish is remarkably long. 91 points.
1994 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port – Fantastic nose of violet, chocolate, and rich dark fruits. The palate has complex waves of intense dark fruit and blueberry, showcasing impeccable balance and richness. An outstanding wine with a fantastic, enduring finish. 96 points.
No Tasting Notes:
2016 Niepoort Tinta Amarela Douro Red
2008 Quinta dos Roques Touriga Nacional Douro Red
2007 Quinta do Vallado Reserva Field Blend Douro Red
2008 Quinta dos Roques Touriga Nacional Dão Red
2015 Quinta da Romaniera Petit Verdot Red
1976 Kopke Colheita Port – Bottled in 2005. Amber-orange in color, this Port has pleasant dried fruits and nuts on the nose. Caramelized nuts, honey, and subtle spices dance on the palate, leading to a long, satisfying, vanilla-caramel finish. 91 points.
1981 Kopke Colheita Port – Bottled in 2020. There are mahogany and woody notes on the nose, accompanied by rich vanilla and dried nuts. The palate is a harmonious blend of caramel, dried nuts, and light orange spice, boasting good acidity and balance. 93 points.
Casa de Santa Eufemia 30 Year Old Tawny Port – Bottled in 2021. This amber-orange beauty offers a nose of old wood with a touch of oxidation. The medium-bodied entry unfolds with rich red spices and a hint of heat, leading to an intensity on the mid-palate that fades into a medium finish. 89 points.
Casa de Santa Eufemia Special Reserve White Port – Golden tan in color. Likely bottled 8 to 10 years ago based on the Sealo. Tropical fruit and honey on the nose. The entry is intense, featuring vanilla caramel and well-balanced acidity on the mid-palate. Very nice mouthfeel, with a long finish. 92 points.
1983 Fonseca Vintage Port – Dusty amber in color. Red fruit with some Christmas spice underneath. The smooth but intense mouthfeel exhibits slightly cloying sweetness and red currents on the finish. There is some spirit on the finish. The quality just isn’t there but this also isn’t undrinkable. 83 points.
1983 Taylor Vintage Port – Amber in color with slight pink hues on the edges. Red fruit compote and chocolate notes on the nose. The intense mouthfeel showcases Bing cherry and dark chocolate, though a slight bitterness on the finish detracts from the overall experience. Overall this wine feels slightly disjointed. Good components but they just don’t come together in the right way. 86 points.
1983 Warre Vintage Port – N/R. Corked.
1985 Warre Vintage Port – Dark amber-purple in color. Dark fruit and some light mint notes on the nose. This vintage port captivates with dark fruit and subtle mint on the nose. Fresh dark fruit unfolds on the palate with well-balanced acidity and a comforting warmth. The well-structured tannins contribute to a long, satisfying finish. 93 points.
1985 Gould Campbell Vintage Port – Ruby in color. Tobacco leaf and some spirit on the nose. The entry features strawberry and red currents, leading to an intense mouthfeel with bright red fruit, cherry, and strawberry notes. Balanced acidity and sweetness extend into a long finish. 92 points.
