In search of good data...

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 12:53 am

Since (I think?) the 1930's, the IVDP has required VP declarations to be approved.

So presumably, they have records of every approval - but has this data ever been published, either on the net or in print?

I suspect that there have probably been wines that obtained approval, but were not then released for some reason, but this would be a very interesting data source.

Most books contain lists of declarations, but all I have seen have been incomplete, usually omitting the SQ's, but also missing at least a few of the declared blends.

For the older vintages, Broadbent often notes the number of declarations, but then fails to mention them all, as he only comments on wines he has tasted.

Does anyone have any idea where his data for this came from?

In idle moments I am compiling a searchable database of Shippers, Quintas and Own Brand bottlers, and the vintages they have presented to the market over the last two centuries.

I have close to 500 wines listed already, but the job is far from complete.

All sound data gratefully received!

Tom

Derek T. · Post by **Derek T.** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 2:37 pm

Tom,

I have often (how sad is that?) thought that the IVDP must have this information and it is unbelievable that it is not already on their website. The most comprehensive brand list that I have come across is that of the Symington's on http://www.thevintageportsite.co.uk but you no doubt already have this info.

Perhaps a fun way of giving your list a boost is for everyone on this Forum to post their current cellar list plus a list of all the unusual VP's they can remember tasting?

Derek

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 7:55 pm

Perhaps a fun way of giving your list a boost is for everyone on this Forum to post their current cellar list plus a list of all the unusual VP's they can remember tasting?

I thought about this, but wasn't quite sure how to go about it.

Let's try an experiment...

I know of no list of Vargellas vintages, except that prior to 1958 it was only bottled on a rather casual basis.

So starting with the wines I own or have owned, lets put together a list..

1958
1972
1978
1987
1991

I think there's about 20 more..

..so, everybody, please copy the list above, adding years you know for certain to have been bottled

Tom

Frederick Blais · Post by **Frederick Blais** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 9:10 pm

Here Tom, I hope it can helps. I did take a picture of one of my book.

http://www.frederickblais.com/IMG_8012.jpg

This is the most accurate data I can find about detailed declaration by many houses. The table do include SQVP declaration as a release from the shipper that year. So you'll see a sqare in 1978 for Taylor as they release a Vargellas and not a classic one. The table stop in 1994 so it is missing many new players on the market.

I hope it can be useful to you.

Tom Archer · Post by **Tom Archer** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 12:59 am

I'm screwing up my eyes to read that table Fred - it's one I've not seen before, and I can make out several years that have more wines than I previously knew about.

Any chance of scanning or photographing it as two pages and emailing to me??

When I get my list to 750 wines, I will start sending out copies as Excel files, complete with a vb dialogue that will search wines for years and vice versa.

In time I plan to include references to tasting notes (but not the notes themselves) identified as RM, SS, MB, RP etc (even RH...

) - and also space for a small commentary.

Aside from retaining copyright, the data will be freely available to all.

Tom

Al B. · Post by **Al B.** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 1:09 am

Tom

Here's my contribution to your list

1868
1947
1952
1958
1961
1967
1972
1976
1978
1982
1984
1986
1987
1988
1991
1995
1996
1998
2000 VV

And now here's my confession - most of these wines came from Winesearcher. I only have (or have tasted) 1967, 1978, 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1996. I also know of VV from 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2004 from a thread that Fred started some time ago.

Alex

Frederick Blais · Post by **Frederick Blais** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:30 am

uncle tom wrote:I'm screwing up my eyes to read that table Fred - it's one I've not seen before, and I can make out several years that have more wines than I previously knew about.

Any chance of scanning or photographing it as two pages and emailing to me??

I'll try to take 2 photograhs later today. The best thing would be to print it if you can. The resolution is high enough to fit large sheet. I'll also use my tripod so I can get better lightning.