We started JM's Port project in 2019 after an inspiring trip up the Douro River in Portugal.  John decided to do a long-term Port project focused on producing Tawny Port.  Tawny Port is a blend of multiple vintages of Port (commonly, 10-40 vintages blended and aged in barrel). This process continues indefinitely; we are hopeful that this project goes beyond our lifetime and through the next generation. 

 

Many of you have had a chance to taste JM's Port over the last five years and the consistent request has been to bottle some for our wine club.  In 2022, we bottled 150 cases of JM Cellars Ruby Port. The Port was a hit and in early 2024 we found ourselves “sold-out,” and as the Port continued to be highly requested among club members, we bottled another 54 cases of Ruby Port in July of 2024.

 

Very similar to JM's inaugural release of Port, the second vintage is a Ruby Port, made by blending three vintages; 2021, 2022, and 2023.  The color is dark ruby red, and it is showing deep cherry, blackberry and raisin flavors and aromas highlighted by a beautiful sweetness; essential to great Port.  

 

We made the wine with three of the primary Port grapes of Portugal; Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão, and Souzão, sourced from a special vineyard called Lonesome Springs Ranch.  The three varieties were harvested the same day each fall, co-fermented, and fortified with Aguardente, raw brandy made from JM Cellars red wine distilled to 160 proof brandy by our friends at JP Trodden.   

 

We bottled our Ruby Port in a full 750 ml bottle, but you do not need to finish this bottle in one sitting.  After opening, store it in a cool, dry environment and it will last for 4 - 6 weeks.  Enjoy JM's Ruby Port with blue cheese and/or dark chocolate desserts.