>While the pumpkin and sweet-potato/pecan pies were being sliced, passed a
>variety of cheeses. As there were several blues (St. Agur, Montbriac, and
>Stilton), it seemed a good time to try the 1982 Martinez Vintage Porto. I was
>a
>little worried re bottle shock, as this had only arrived a week before -but
>no
>problems. Immediately after decanting I was concerned about high levels of
>VA,
>but it seemed to blow off. Cinnamon-spicy with some chocolate notes in the
>fruit, seemingly fully resolved tannins. Not at all hot, actually seemingly a
>little light for VP, but very pleasant. This was from the lode that Jason
>(Jaybert41) had uncovered at Trader Joes for$15, not an outstanding VP, but a
>good deal at that price. B+

Aahhh... I was wondering if you would pull the cork on one of those Ports on
"Turkey Day." Of the '82 and '87 Martinez I would expect the former to be a
lighter style as you said showing "fully resolved tannins". I think '82 was
not widely declared by major Port houses? I have yet to have a big enough
group around worth opening a full bottle of either, but I am glad to see that
the '82 was at least enjoyable for the price. I am curious as to how the '87
shows...

With Thanksgiving Brooke and I enjoyed a '01 Sinskey Carneros Pinot and a '01
Shafer Merlot being that we are in California for the time being... Both
were nice wines with the Sinskey surprisingly being very closed for the first
45 minutes or so. The Shafer too put on considerable weight after about an
hour and showed well for a Cali- Merlot. Maybe both a sign of the good 2001
vintage? Although both were in a complete different class than my newly
beloved '01 Paloma Merlot the Shafer is a pretty god buy. But that Paloma is
really unique...

As always Dale, very enjoyable notes. Thank you.

jason