Port question

Oct 19, 2003 2 Replies

Hello all,



I and a friend have recently begun experimenting with port. We've gone for the cheap stuff first, and my friend recently picked up a simple Osborne's tawny. When I tried it, it had a great amount of sediment and had a thin, flat, chemical taste. I've never seen sediment in any of the ports I've tried, and through the things I've read, I understand that ports will not have sediment unless they are an "old port", and naturally the simple Osborne tawny is not an old port. So, I was wondering if anyone knows what would cause this port to throw sediment. Did something go horrendously wrong after bottling? Can a port go "off" in the bottle? Was this port most likely "off" when bottled? Or is sediment and a thin, flat taste common to this port? Thanks for any comments.


I've always thought (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) that the only ports that have sediment and need decanting are vintages, single quintas, late bottled vintages, and crusted ports. If you did indeed have a tawny with sediment, something sounds awry.

If you want to add to your port repertoire, I like Smith Woodhouse Lodge Reserve. It's a great deal at around $12/bottle and delicious.

On 19 Oct 2003 06:53:27 -0700, Scott quoth:

I don't know their tawny, but I do recommend Osborne's LBV, which is a very good value.

bkr

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