In 1975 Andrew Quady’s first port-like wine was made from Amador County grapes.  In 1979 Quady contracted Frank Alviso to plant an experimenal vineyard of Portuguese port varieties in the same area.  Frank’s vineyard was originally planted to Tinta Cao, Tinta Amarela and Bastardo, but now sees the addition of Tinta Barocca and Tourigas grapes.

Andy, needing to rename his port for European sales, used some convoluted logic to arrive at a new name.  “Port”, to a sailor, is the left hand side.  Standing in England and facing south, Portugal, the home of Port, is on the left side of the Atlantic.  Hence, a port wine from the USA, on the right hand side of the ocean, should be called STARBOARD.  And so it is.  

When enjoying this wine, the decanter should only be passed to the right!

Vintage:    1996

Grapes:    Tinta Cao

Region:     Amador County, California

Taste:        Very rich and spicy, a well-made, Port-like wine, with concentration and character.

Serve:      With Desserts, after dinner or with a good Cigar.

Notes:      As with most Ports, Vintage Starboard is intended to mature in this bottle for several decades.  It will form a deposit or crust and should be decanted.

ABV:         20%