Winery Discussion

Subject:	Dalva 1940 House Reserve. Should I replace the cork?
Vendor:	Dalva

Hello portlovers. Years ago I inherited an amazing bottle of port that is now 66 years old, and need some guidance at this point to help keep the last 20% of it in its present condition for a few more years. It is a bottle of Porto Dalva House Reserve Port 1940, Matured in Wood, Bottled in 1971, by C. Da Silva (Vinhos) S.A.R.L. of OPorto. The I.V.P. neck label with the Vinho Do Porto Selo De Garantia shows the number EB 461755. It is about 10 years since we previously had a few glasses, and it is still unbelievably great. The cork goes in a little too easily now, and seems to not have quite the security of tight sealing that it has had in the past. Should I replace this with a new cork?? Could anyone please give me some idea of how well this bottle of port might rank in the overall history of port or Dalva ports in particular??

Posted on Dec 29, 2006 By Philip Ashenden

Since the Port was bottled in 1970, the cork should have lasted until around 2020. But I suspect that the cork has lost some of its grip since you have previously opened it. I would merely take a newer cork from another bottle and replace that older cork as it is very important that very little air gets into the wine. Although, if the Port is acTually a 'Reserve Port' and not a 'Vintage Port', then it doesn't age anymore and the amount of air it gets doesn't much matter.

Posted on Dec 31, 2006 By Roy Pereira