Starboard Batch 88

Starboard Batch 88 is a mellow port-style wine made with Portuguese grape varieties, primarily Tinta Roriz. The average age of the grapes in the blend is five years and the first year the blend was made was 1988. Similar methods are used as in the Douro, but the California climate is warmer, and the soils are different. Quady uses a 190-proof neutral grape spirit and 60-gallon barrels. Starboard, the nautical term for right, is unique to Quady, in the San Joaquin Valley of California, on the other side of the world from Portugal. Starboard is smooth and rich with a chocolate raisin character.