Graham's LBV 2002

[White97Jimmy]

I should have started my own thread here earlier, but I completely forgot about this section!

Anyway, I have a few bottles of Graham's LBV in my basement and I am going to be giving a gift basket and a bottle of port to the GF's father for Xmas. I noticed he was drinking port the other night at his house, so I knew he would probably enjoy some more.

Now, I don't drink at all (gave it up 7 months ago), but I do collect bottles (or at least starting to collect). I figure that even if I don't drink, its still fun to collect. Which would be better for a gift? LBV or 6 Grapes? Some opinions on each bottle would be excellent. I already have the LBV, and 6 Grapes is readily available at my local wine store. I don't mind spending the money to buy a bottle, I would just like some opinion.

[ptreed]

You can't go wrong with either one of them. The Six Grapes probably resembles a vintage port more so than the LBV.
In a recent Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast magazine the Warre's LBV received some high marks in the 90+ range. Tried a bottle and it's excellent and about the same price.

send any leftovers my way !

ptreed

[ATLHARP]

Originally Posted by White97Jimmy

I should have started my own thread here earlier, but I completely forgot about this section!

Anyway, I have a few bottles of Graham's LBV in my basement and I am going to be giving a gift basket and a bottle of port to the GF's father for Xmas. I noticed he was drinking port the other night at his house, so I knew he would probably enjoy some more.

Now, I don't drink at all (gave it up 7 months ago), but I do collect bottles (or at least starting to collect). I figure that even if I don't drink, its still fun to collect. Which would be better for a gift? LBV or 6 Grapes? Some opinions on each bottle would be excellent. I already have the LBV, and 6 Grapes is readily available at my local wine store. I don't mind spending the money to buy a bottle, I would just like some opinion.

The Graham's LBV is the better out of the two. The Six Grapes is very balanced, but the LBV is whole 'nother beast with deep, rich cherry/grape flavor. The LBV has better grip, but it doesn't have the balance of the Six Grapes. Both are great buys and make excellent gifts, yet I would say the LBV edges it out by a hair.

ATL

[White97Jimmy]

Thanks. Looks like I'm gonna gift the LBV 2002 then. It's only $2 more than the 6 Grapes anyway.

I went to another local place and they had LBV 1998 for $35. They are way overpriced on everything though. They wanted $3 more for 6 Grapes than the other place.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by ptreed

You can't go wrong with either one of them. The Six Grapes probably resembles a vintage port more so than the LBV.

I disagree with Six Grapes tasting more like vintage port. Six Grapes taste like grape juice with not much distinction. I'd go for the LBV over Six Grapes any day. LBV's are made in a similar fashion to vintage port except they are barrell aged longer than vintage is before bottling.

In general, I stay away from any port that does not have a vintage or an indication of age stated on the bottle.

[White97Jimmy]

Thanks for that info. I may pick up a couple of bottles of 6 Grapes for the cellar anyway.

Don't think I'll be uncorking any bottles soon since I don't drink, but its always nice to have a few bottles just because.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by White97Jimmy

I may pick up a couple of bottles of 6 Grapes for the cellar anyway.

Six Grapes does not require cellaring; it's ready to drink. Consider an unfiltered LBV or Vintage Port if you intend to cellar port for any extended time.

[White97Jimmy]

It won't be cellared that long anyway. It will most likely be taken to holiday parties that I go to over the next few weeks.