This is an incredible opportunity to acquire the last of these wines from two Legends. Everyone will receive some Twisted Oak Pig Stai Red Dessert Wine; most will get the Wellington Vineyards 750ml Port, and some will receive either a Wellington Vineyards White Port, 500ml OR a Wellington Vineyards Criolla Port, 500ml.
Wellington Vineyards Old Vines Port, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 750ml
Tasting Notes
This is a blend of 8 vintages, 2003-2010, bottled in 2015. The style resembles late bottled vintage port: still very fruity and fresh, with smoothness gained from extended aging in both barrel and bottle. The Estate Vineyard parcels used for this wine were planted in 1892, 1912, and 1924, a field blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Alicante Bouschet, Tempranillo, and a few other varieties.
Fermentation took place in small open-top tanks, with frequent punchdowns for maximum extraction. Pressing and fortification were done at around 10% residual sugar (RS), with a goal of around 7% RS in the finished wine. (Fermentation doesn’t stop immediately upon fortification, and the volume of fortifying spirits results in dilution.)
All of the vintages were aged in “neutral” French oak 225-liter barrels, with quarterly racking the first year and semiannual or annual racking thereafter. There was no fining or filtration at any time between harvest and bottling.
Specs
Alcohol: 19%
Residual Sugar: 7.2 g/100 ml
pH: 3.4
Production: 403 cases
Wellington Vineyards Old Vines Port, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 500ml
Tasting Notes
Criolla was the original vinifera (European) variety of the new-world, derived from grape seeds brought from Spain to Mexico by Cortez. It’s more commonly known in the U.S. as the Mission grape because it was planted at all the Franciscan missions (yes, even Mission Dolores in San Francisco!) for the production of sacramental wine and brandy.
Production techniques were similar to those used for our other red ports, with the exception that we sometimes fortified while the wine was still on the skins and delayed pressing in order to increase extraction.
Our Criolla Port has always been a multi-vintage blend, with average age at bottling of eight years, yielding more of a tawny port style.
Specs
Alcohol: 18.5%
Residual Sugar: 5.9 g/100 ml
pH: 3.6
Production: 110 cases
Wellington Vineyards Old Vines White Port, Sonoma Valley, 500ml
Tasting Notes
Wellington Vineyards White Port is produced in the traditional Portuguese style, with intentional oxidation via long-term barrel aging. This bottling was a blend of several vintages and now has several years of bottle age.
Deep golden color gives away the age. Primary aromas of caramel and orange peel give way to notes of dried apricots, figs, and walnuts, and a hint of sherry character. Crisp acid balances the alcohol and residual sugar so that the wine isn’t cloying at all. For those familiar with Madeira, this might compare with a lighter version of that.
Specs
Alcohol: 19%
2016 Twisted Oak Pig Stai Red Dessert Wine, Calaveras County
Tasting Notes
One of our expert tasters noted that the Pig Stai had lively flavors and aromas, and noted that it was “sure to keep you regular.” While we appreciate the sentiment, we’re not quite sure that’s the message we were looking for, not to mention that the Powers That Be tend to frown on health claims for wine. Be that as it may, we think you will find a lot going on in this little bottle. Aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and currants combine with spicy aromas of cloves and thyme. Flavors of raspberries and currants fill your mouth. The port is balanced in terms of acidity, sugar, and alcohol and finishes with a long blackberry and spicy streak. We’d say this Pig Stai is certainly perfect for sipping at home, or when you are on the go, if you know what we mean…
The Story Of Pig Stai…
Our first vintage of a “Port-style” wine was 2004. About the time we went to bottle, new regulations were issued by the ATF, and we were no longer allowed to use the word Port on our label. Bummer (1). Anyway, we still didn’t have a name for it, and not having “Port” available made it tougher. About this time, a wine writer that I admire (2), Dan Berger, published a missive in his weekly newsletter Vintage Experiences, ranting against stupid, edgy names for wine blends. He proposed a list (3) where “if winemakers want to be edgy, they should be brave enough to use one of these names!” On his list, were names like Dung Heap, Spitbucket (4), and… Pigsty. Well, this got my attention because when I was a wee lad (relatively speaking, if someone at school (5) wanted to tease me, they called me “Pig Stai”. And so a Twisted classic was born!
In case it isn’t mentioned anywhere, the fruit is 100% Twisted Oak estate-grown Touriga Naçional. Fortified with neutral distilled wine spirits (98% - “rocket fuel”). I recall the RS is around 7 or 8%.
(1) In fact, “Fortified” was banned as well, which is REALLY dumb.
(2) Admired so much, I paid for the newsletter.
(3) I wish I still had the whole list; if someone can find it, I’d be very grateful. Wink wink.
(4) We later bottled a blend I’m very proud of called Ol’ Chumbucket, named after one of the founders of Talk Like a Pirate Day.
(5) This wine is dedicated to the first-grade class of Washington School.
What’s Included
4-bottles:
2x Wellington Vineyards Ports, Sonoma Valley, 750ml OR 500ml
2x 2016 Twisted Oak Pig Stai Red Dessert Wine, Calaveras County Case:
6x Wellington Vineyards Ports, Sonoma Valley, 750ml or 500ml
6x 2016 Twisted Oak Pig Stai Red Dessert Wine, Calaveras County, 375ml
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
The Legends - Wellington and Twisted Oak Ports
4 bottles for $69.99 $17.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Impressive color, still a dark slightly purplish red. The dominant aromas are cherry and blackberry like fruit, vanilla. dill and licorice, with notes of dried fruit and mint. There’s a lively entry and zingy fruit. Medium body, soft tannins, and a clean, lingering finish. This is a bit in the drier side for port (a winemaker after my heart), not cloying at all. I didn’t notice the vintage until after I tasted it and would have guessed that it was considerably younger. This would make a pleasant companion to rich desserts.
Love the Wellington Port 750, amazing value and still have many from my last ordering.
I’d prefer to have the White and Criolla vs the other, in my 4 set. Wonder if that is possible…
I had no idea what I had gotten until I read it here - wow! This was the Old Vines 750ml. That explains a lot! Anyway here’s my story and Lab Rat report…
Two days ago I got the fateful Lab Rat email telling me something fun was already on its way, followed by a quick note from WD detailing what Fortified madness he had up his metaphorical sleeve for this sale. I thought, “How fun! What a great idea!” I told David as much but there was just one problem - I’m several hundred miles from home visiting my son and his partner. Much scrambling, the first shipment rerouted, a new insurance shipment dispatched to the great PNW, and somehow both bottles showed here at noon today. That is the fastest UPS re-route in history, I swear.
Then there’s the matter of food, and our luck held again. Son had just received a yakitori grill as a gift, complete with that fancy charcoal that goes with it. And we had planned on grilled (rack of) lamb chops anyway, which can be really great with Port. Score! Rooting around in their fridge looking for stinky cheese I found some forgotten but not expired foie gras. Score again! Some nice sharp cheddar and we had some nice pairings ready to go.
And Peter’s Port delivered. It’s not normal to think of a Port as refreshing but here is some fairly lively acidity and forward fruit - think cherries and blueberries - that cut through and complemented the richness of the foie, the gaminess of the lamb chops, and the sharpness of the cheese. It was a little closed and edgy at first but after a half hour opened right up and settled into a nice spicy cherry. A wonderful evening and meal made so much better. I’d be very happy to be served this Port any time!
In for a case! I would order 2 but we have a TON of port and not enough friends who enjoy it I think we are down to 1 or 2 Wellington White Ports though, so hoping to find a couple in this shipment!!
We just finished dinner with some Flannery burgers and a 2013 Esprit de Tablas so of course it’s time for some Pig Stai!
You know it’s a good sign when you sniff the cork and say “fuck, that smells good!” A quick rinse of the glasses with the port and on to tasting. Colour is nice bright red. The aromas are just excellent - blue and red fruit, some classic baking spices, and a little je ne sais quoi. Until I read Peter’s report and agreed with him that it’s dill. Something a bit floral, too.
First sips and this is everything molarchae and I have come to expect and appreciate from Pig Stai: nice balance and acidity without too much RS. Plenty of fruit but with complexity of spices and herbs. Molarchae thought there was a hint of smoke, too, but not the wildfire kind. Light bodied for a port, medium bodied more generally. Moderately long finish with a hint of heat toward the end. Mint, too.
I bought six of these directly from El Jefe during the closeout sale (for slightly more than this price) and I’ve got 5 of my 6 Wellington Ports from that sale still hanging out. The real question is whether another 6 of each would be wise. It’s certainly well worth it!
While I am fortunate to have a nice stash of Wellington Ports, I was still pretty stoked to receive a full sized bottle of Peter’s Old Vines Estate Port to sample for this offer.
Let’s dive right in! I was able to carefully remove the cork undamaged, with waiter’s corkscrew. Good cork integrity, with no stains penetrating beyond 3/8".
The wine was a deep purple with slight bricking around the edges. The alcohol hits you right away on the nose, along with raisins and raspberries.
Brambly raspberry, fig and raisin flavors on the palate. The heat from the alcohol seems to dissipate after some air time. I would guess that there is a fairly significant amount of Zinfandel in the wine, based on the flavor profile.
Paired it with some Maytag Blue Cheese and it was delicious! The cheese seemed to bring out some cherry and ripe plum flavors in the wine.
Pleasant, medium + finish. Moderate sediment in the shoulder of the bottle.
Not much more to say. You likely already know if you want this or not, but I can confirm that it’s everything you would expect from a Wellington Old Vines Port. And not likely to be offered again.
Thanks for the opportunity to sample one of the classics!
Oh, crap, I’m so excited to get my Wellington fix! Was just waxing nostalgic with someone today about how much I miss the wine club. Still have some Victories from 06-12 bunkered that I mete out slowly. Miss you, @peterw, but stoked for these! Hope you’re enjoying retirement! Dave
Order placed, but on Summer Hold. Too much wonkiness with our local brown trucks these days and random changes to delivery times and days—great fun in 90 degree heat. Wines have survived though. Grateful for the Summer Hold option.
Wellington Vineyards Old Vines Port, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 750ml
Tasting Notes
Specs
Wellington Vineyards Old Vines Port, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 500ml
Tasting Notes
Specs
Wellington Vineyards Old Vines White Port, Sonoma Valley, 500ml
Tasting Notes
Specs
2016 Twisted Oak Pig Stai Red Dessert Wine, Calaveras County
Tasting Notes
The Story Of Pig Stai…
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 11 - Tuesday, Aug 12
The Legends - Wellington and Twisted Oak Ports
4 bottles for $69.99 $17.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
NV Wellington Vineyards Old Vines Port 750ml
NV Wellington Vineyards Criolla 500ml
NV Wellington Vineyards White Port 500ml
2016 Twisted Oak Pig Stai 375ml
Fun offer
/giphy affable-fluent-tray
Yeah okay, in for four.
/giphy omniscient-unhealthy-route
One hell of an offer! Rat report coming up for some Pig Stai after we open the bottle…
But really, what are you waiting for?
One of these days, I will open my Wellingtons …
FYI, Pig Stai goes very well with sparkling wines. Pour to your taste (sweetens it.)
/giphy unnerving-frothy-parsley
labROUS report, 2016 Pig Stai
Impressive color, still a dark slightly purplish red. The dominant aromas are cherry and blackberry like fruit, vanilla. dill and licorice, with notes of dried fruit and mint. There’s a lively entry and zingy fruit. Medium body, soft tannins, and a clean, lingering finish. This is a bit in the drier side for port (a winemaker after my heart), not cloying at all. I didn’t notice the vintage until after I tasted it and would have guessed that it was considerably younger. This would make a pleasant companion to rich desserts.
@PeterW
We miss you!!!
Hope you’re doing well.
@kawichris650 @PeterW Same here! Hoping you are enjoying retirement Peter!
@PeterW Hi Peter! Thanks for the report. We miss you! And thanks for naming that dill component - it really made the whole thing make sense.
Love the Wellington Port 750, amazing value and still have many from my last ordering.
I’d prefer to have the White and Criolla vs the other, in my 4 set. Wonder if that is possible…
I had no idea what I had gotten until I read it here - wow! This was the Old Vines 750ml. That explains a lot! Anyway here’s my story and Lab Rat report…
Two days ago I got the fateful Lab Rat email telling me something fun was already on its way, followed by a quick note from WD detailing what Fortified madness he had up his metaphorical sleeve for this sale. I thought, “How fun! What a great idea!” I told David as much but there was just one problem - I’m several hundred miles from home visiting my son and his partner. Much scrambling, the first shipment rerouted, a new insurance shipment dispatched to the great PNW, and somehow both bottles showed here at noon today. That is the fastest UPS re-route in history, I swear.
Then there’s the matter of food, and our luck held again. Son had just received a yakitori grill as a gift, complete with that fancy charcoal that goes with it. And we had planned on grilled (rack of) lamb chops anyway, which can be really great with Port. Score! Rooting around in their fridge looking for stinky cheese I found some forgotten but not expired foie gras. Score again! Some nice sharp cheddar and we had some nice pairings ready to go.
And Peter’s Port delivered. It’s not normal to think of a Port as refreshing but here is some fairly lively acidity and forward fruit - think cherries and blueberries - that cut through and complemented the richness of the foie, the gaminess of the lamb chops, and the sharpness of the cheese. It was a little closed and edgy at first but after a half hour opened right up and settled into a nice spicy cherry. A wonderful evening and meal made so much better. I’d be very happy to be served this Port any time!
Instabuy…the nostalgia is strong.
In for a case! I would order 2 but we have a TON of port and not enough friends who enjoy it
I think we are down to 1 or 2 Wellington White Ports though, so hoping to find a couple in this shipment!!
/giphy icy-dated-fight
@knlprez I’ll be your friend if it means I get to share your port
Still holding a lot of that Old Vines case from '22 but why not
/giphy updated-hopeful-egg
We just finished dinner with some Flannery burgers and a 2013 Esprit de Tablas so of course it’s time for some Pig Stai!
You know it’s a good sign when you sniff the cork and say “fuck, that smells good!” A quick rinse of the glasses with the port and on to tasting. Colour is nice bright red. The aromas are just excellent - blue and red fruit, some classic baking spices, and a little je ne sais quoi. Until I read Peter’s report and agreed with him that it’s dill. Something a bit floral, too.
First sips and this is everything molarchae and I have come to expect and appreciate from Pig Stai: nice balance and acidity without too much RS. Plenty of fruit but with complexity of spices and herbs. Molarchae thought there was a hint of smoke, too, but not the wildfire kind. Light bodied for a port, medium bodied more generally. Moderately long finish with a hint of heat toward the end. Mint, too.
I bought six of these directly from El Jefe during the closeout sale (for slightly more than this price) and I’ve got 5 of my 6 Wellington Ports from that sale still hanging out. The real question is whether another 6 of each would be wise. It’s certainly well worth it!
Wellington Old Vines Port 750ml
While I am fortunate to have a nice stash of Wellington Ports, I was still pretty stoked to receive a full sized bottle of Peter’s Old Vines Estate Port to sample for this offer.
Let’s dive right in! I was able to carefully remove the cork undamaged, with waiter’s corkscrew. Good cork integrity, with no stains penetrating beyond 3/8".
The wine was a deep purple with slight bricking around the edges. The alcohol hits you right away on the nose, along with raisins and raspberries.
Brambly raspberry, fig and raisin flavors on the palate. The heat from the alcohol seems to dissipate after some air time. I would guess that there is a fairly significant amount of Zinfandel in the wine, based on the flavor profile.
Paired it with some Maytag Blue Cheese and it was delicious! The cheese seemed to bring out some cherry and ripe plum flavors in the wine.
Pleasant, medium + finish. Moderate sediment in the shoulder of the bottle.
Not much more to say. You likely already know if you want this or not, but I can confirm that it’s everything you would expect from a Wellington Old Vines Port. And not likely to be offered again.
Thanks for the opportunity to sample one of the classics!
@chipgreen After the 2022 offer we thought it would never be offered again but here we are!
In for 4. If you have to think about it, it might be gone before you hit the buy button. Just saying. This’ll sell.out.
/giphy wise-catchy-leech
I’ve got so much of the old vines 750… sure would be nice to see some White and Criolla
Oh, crap, I’m so excited to get my Wellington fix! Was just waxing nostalgic with someone today about how much I miss the wine club. Still have some Victories from 06-12 bunkered that I mete out slowly. Miss you, @peterw, but stoked for these! Hope you’re enjoying retirement! Dave
Thanks for this amazing offer!
/giphy fitful-dejected-clover
Order placed, but on Summer Hold. Too much wonkiness with our local brown trucks these days and random changes to delivery times and days—great fun in 90 degree heat. Wines have survived though. Grateful for the Summer Hold option.
I LOVE PORT!!! I mean I really love port…
/giphy omnivorous-neutral-income
I too have a good stash from the last offer. Looking forward to the Pig Stai. Never had it before.
/giphy flattering-literal-lawyer
