Holiday Ports

ryan opaz · Post by **ryan opaz** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 2:57 am

Ok so I'm heading home. For those that don't know it's been 2 years since me and my wife left for Spain. Anyways, most of my cellar is back in the states and I can't wait to see how some of my wines are holding up. I already think I know what I'm going to be opening but I thought I'd let some Port Geeks chime in. What would you open? I hope to leave a few for my next visit, but for now here's what I have to pick from:
Italicized ones are most likely to disappear first..or not?
1977 Dow Porto Vintage 1.5L
1987 Warre Porto Vintage Quinta da Cavadinha
1995 Fonseca Porto Guimaraens
1995 Warre Porto Vintage Quinta da Cavadinha
1997 Niepoort Porto Vintage .375L
1997 Quinta do Noval Porto Late Bottled Vintage
1997 Quinta do Noval Porto Vintage Silval
1997 Warre Porto Vintage
2000 Niepoort Porto Vintage
2000 Smith Woodhouse Porto Vintage
2000 Warre Porto Vintage

Al B. · Post by **Al B.** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:08 am

Well here's an interesting question. Are you trying to provoke a UK / US divide here Ryan?

Of the wines you've listed, I would say that they will all drink well now, with the possible exceptions of the 2000's which might be going through a dumb phase.

The 1987 Cavadinha is probably really nice now and is continuing to develop well...BUT :!:

...if you really want to treat yourself then don't drink a bottle of port from the list you've given us as they are all a bit young and could do with being left in the bottle for another decade or two. Go buy a bottle from the 70's or early 80's and treat yourself.

:lick:

Alex[/b]

ryan opaz · Post by **ryan opaz** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:14 am

I like you thinking, but I'm on the "budget" and the "budget" says, drink what we have in the house! So, I will down a few babies even though I do prefer the old guys!

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:51 am

OK, indulge.

Tackle the Dow '77 magnum - don't be put off by thoughts that you may not have enough mouths to consume it all (that way you'll never open it..) - I'm sure you'll manage..

Tom

Robin L. · Post by **Robin L.** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:21 am

Ryan
I'd go with Quinta da Cavadinha '87. The most "middle term" in the pack, althought that Tom's idea is great...

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:27 am

Here's my

1987 Warre's Quinta da Cavadinha
1997 Niepoort VP (as it is a .375 and would be fun to see how it coming along)

If you got some friends to share with, the 1977 Dow's magnum would be great.

ryan opaz · Post by **ryan opaz** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:32 am

All good suggestions, but really I never thought of the Dow. I guess the size is a bit ominous, not that I can't find some friends to help it disappear. I might need to do some planning though.

Otherwise, I'm starting to think the 87Cavadinha, and the Neipoort is a good call. .375, must be aging pretty quickly, better drink it down now!

Frederick Blais · Post by **Frederick Blais** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:10 pm

Of course the best wine of the lot is the Dow's 1977. Warre's 87 could be mature so is the Noval LBV 1997 too, really good right now.

If you want to open youngster, go for the 95 or the 97 silval as these will not develop into amazing wines in 20 years as the 2000 will.

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:33 am

I agree with Fred on this one. If I were to choose, it would definitely be the 1997 Quinta do Noval Porto Late Bottled Vintage for immediate consumption while the rest gain further age in cellar. That is the reason I buy LBVs, to keep my hands off bottles that need to age. Whatever you decide Ryan, ENJOY!