Originally Posted by Calcifer
Along the vein of sweet stuff, I've been reading lots of good things about the 2003 Vintage Ports. I'm thinking if I buy some they may be ready to drink when I'm celebrating my retirement....
Any Port drinkers out there with particular recommendations?
And finally, does anyone have any particular recommendations for under-the-counter wine cooler/refrigerators? I may be gut-renovating a kitchen in the nearish future, and I figure if I'm going to go through the hassle I at least want a wine fridge (given that I'm in NYC, I'm hesitant to buy anything larger, although the price differential doesn't seem that great).
Most great Port ports take 20-30 years to come around. but there are exceptions. S&W '95 Madalena (single vineyard) vintage port is quite ready now, and very fine. It is usually made in "non-declared" years. They did an '01 that will probably also be ready in 10-15 years.
OZ port is ready at a very young age, by comparison. Many 10 year old OZ ports are ready now, and very good.
If you are doing the under-counter thing. I presume you are doing it to chill and keep cold, rather than to store for long periods. Go buy a good looking inexpensive fridge with glass door from a discounter. I have a Hejer HEC from Sam's club. Has all the bells and whistles. Glass door, darkened glass, lock, red/white wine storage choice. Temp adjustment, etc, etc. I keep it on white wine setting. It will only adjust to 45f. However, 45F is about 40 at the top, and 35 at the bottom. Every time we get a power hit, it reverts to red wine and about 55F. setting. Stores 30 bottles, plenty to keep the party goers out of my celler.