Ronald Dale Barassi Fine Old Tawny Port 1981

[Flower Magic 776]

In 1981, Ron Barassi returned to coach the Demons and I purchased bottle no. 221 of a batch of 1981 bottles to mark the start of a "new era for the Demons". I swore that I would only open and drink it when we won our next flag, which of course I expected would happen by 1986 in accordance with Ron's five year plan. 

It's been a very long 40 year wait since then. Anyone else still sitting on a bottle of this rare drop? I wonder how it will taste when I open it tomorrow night?

Edited September 24, 2021 by Flower Magic
Typo

[Supreme_Demon 4,143]

Looks like a magnificent bottle of Tawny Port!

Funnily enough I was born in 1981.

I do hope you get to drink it and it doesn't taste like vinegar.

[Cassiew 1,903]

7 hours ago, Flower Magic said:

In 1981, Ron Barassi returned to coach the Demons and I purchased bottle no. 221 of a batch of 1981 bottles to mark the start of a "new era for the Demons". I swore that I would only open and drink it when we won our next flag, which of course I expected would happen by 1986 in accordance with Ron's five year plan. 

It's been a very long 40 year wait since then. Anyone else still sitting on a bottle of this rare drop? I wonder how it will taste when I open it tomorrow night?

My dad had some of that. He got it the year before my brother was born. All gone now.

1981, shi… makes me feel so old

[Deemania since 56 6,809]

10 hours ago, Flower Magic said:

In 1981, Ron Barassi returned to coach the Demons and I purchased bottle no. 221 of a batch of 1981 bottles to mark the start of a "new era for the Demons". I swore that I would only open and drink it when we won our next flag, which of course I expected would happen by 1986 in accordance with Ron's five year plan. 

It's been a very long 40 year wait since then. Anyone else still sitting on a bottle of this rare drop? I wonder how it will taste when I open it tomorrow night?

Had to drink mine way back in '88, due to a change in address/interstate removal. It was smooth but starting to turn and a little 'gritty' on the palate (separating influences in the taste), despite excellent care over the years. However, I did not regret having it as it was good quality. Hope your bottle has lasted and matured well. Around that time, I was very keen on 10 litre American Oak casks and tawnies from Rutherglen/Milawa (BB). Blame the trips to the snowfields, for that preference (and widespread sampling. :-)

 

[Malcolm spence 0]

12 hours ago, Flower Magic said:

In 1981, Ron Barassi returned to coach the Demons and I purchased bottle no. 221 of a batch of 1981 bottles to mark the start of a "new era for the Demons". I swore that I would only open and drink it when we won our next flag, which of course I expected would happen by 1986 in accordance with Ron's five year plan. 

It's been a very long 40 year wait since then. Anyone else still sitting on a bottle of this rare drop? I wonder how it will taste when I open it tomorrow night?

 

[Mincho Mania 530]

I've been hanging on to this and will only open it when we win a flag. Thought that might have been the ladies last year, hope we finally open it tonight

[No.41 32]

I’ll go one better Flower Magic - not only do I have a bottle of the Barassi Port, but mine is number 1964. Like you I promised myself I wouldn’t drink it until we won our next flag….

I also have a couple of bottles of the Demons Premiership Port, which is a 1980 vintage port to drink after I have polished off some of the 2009 Demons Heathcote Shiraz. 

[P-man 13,367]

Love a good tawny and that has to be the king of tawnys. Super jealous.

[UK Demon 75]

This will, I desperately hope, will be opened in celebration at a late lunch today.(British Summer Time).  It was brought over to me by a great Melbourne supporting friend about 20 years ago.  Us Demonlanders have quite a cellar.

[GarryK 1]

I have one of the Barassi ports, bottle no. 578. I expect the remaining few will be a heck of a lot rarer after tonight :p

[David O 0]

I have bottle # 847 and also pledged to open it when we won the flag. Not sure that it will be as great as last night was! I have been a bandwagonner for over 60 years! Go Dees!

[Flower Magic 776]

On 9/24/2021 at 10:41 PM, Flower Magic said:

In 1981, Ron Barassi returned to coach the Demons and I purchased bottle no. 221 of a batch of 1981 bottles to mark the start of a "new era for the Demons". I swore that I would only open and drink it when we won our next flag, which of course I expected would happen by 1986 in accordance with Ron's five year plan. 

It's been a very long 40 year wait since then. Anyone else still sitting on a bottle of this rare drop? I wonder how it will taste when I open it tomorrow night?

 

 

 

Drank it! It was bloody beautiful, just like the game. 

[No.41 32]

So, last night saw the demise of a bottle of Demons Shiraz, and one of my two Premiership Ports. Both were absolutely magnificent, just like the team.

The second Premiership Port  and the # 1964 Barassi Port are on hold until Chairman Dan lets me gather with a few Demon supporting friends for a joyous evening watching the replay.

[Key Deefender 143]

10 minutes ago, No.41 said:

So, last night saw the demise of a bottle of Demons Shiraz, and one of my two Premiership Ports. Both were absolutely magnificent, just like the team.

The second Premiership Port  and the # 1964 Barassi Port are on hold until Chairman Dan lets me gather with a few Demon supporting friends for a joyous evening watching the replay.

I have two bottles of the Ron Barassi Port, #227 and #228, one of which was my dad's who is no longer with me. He sadly died in 1986 just 5 years later. We had always agreed to save them till the next flag, obviously not knowing it would be another 40 years - he would now be 106 and I was beginning to think I would be too! I am now the age he was when we got them.

It is now time to open these liquid time capsules and taste its heady nectar during this heady time. I'm happy to hear after your tasting experience, that after 40 years, it hasn't turned into cheap vinegar or worse and that writhing, agonising convulsions on the floor are at this stage, unlikely. 

I will wait though until I can share it with those who have been on this same journey with me over the years, (my wife won't touch it!) fellow Dees I have been going to games with for a long time.

However there is a yet to be determined time limit.

If we don't open up really soon, it's going to very much be a case of "Ah stuff it!" and then straight down the hatch - and I won't care what happens after that! 

   

[Docs Demons 1,810]

On 9/25/2021 at 12:27 PM, Larry, Moe or Curly said:

I've been hanging on to this and will only open it when we win a flag. Thought that might have been the ladies last year, hope we finally open it tonight

I opened mine last night watching the replay. It was not good however still polished off half the bottle.

[GuruGezza 0]

I am decluttering my supply of wine and port bottles right now and have discovered my Ronald Dale Barassi Tawny Port bottle, no 1028, unopened and in very good condition.

Any keen Demon supporter interested in purchasing before I place on an auction site?

Can supply photos, no idea how to load on here!

 

 

 

[layzie 34,528]

14 hours ago, GuruGezza said:

I am decluttering my supply of wine and port bottles right now and have discovered my Ronald Dale Barassi Tawny Port bottle, no 1028, unopened and in very good condition.

Any keen Demon supporter interested in purchasing before I place on an auction site?

Can supply photos, no idea how to load on here!

 

 

 

I know it probably cost a pretty penny but if you're keen to donate it, the Demon Army organises raffles and auctions for donated memorabilia. Funds raised go towards all their efforts like the amazing banners they make on gameday!

@WalkingCivilWar mentioned it in this post if interested: 

 

 

 

[WineLoverz 0]

I have a bottle of the 

Melbourne Football Club KAISER STUHL Ronald Dale Barassi No. 31 Labeling Fine Old Tawny Port, Australia NV

 

Unopened and in semi good condition.

Selling for my Neighbour Margie she is open for offers, contact her on 0422 807 055

 

[WineLoverz 0]

I have a bottle of this No.31 wine.

Melbourne Football Club KAISER STUHL Ronald Dale Barassi No.31 Labeling Fine Old Tawny Port, Australia NV

 

Unopened and in semi good condition.

Selling for my Neighbour Margie she is open for offers, contact her on 0422 807 055