Is my cellar balanced?

[Michael T]

I started buying port about 3 years ago, I don't have anything really expensive but I do have over 200 bottles now. Would anyone be interested in reviewing a summary of what I have and let me know if there are holes in my collection I should look at filling? When I say collection I do not mean to invest in the future but to have a well balanced cellar of port to drink.

[Thomas V]

It would be great if you could post your inventory, perhaps chronological.

That would give the experts a better chance of helping you out regarding your question. Ill be happy to give you my 2 cents as well.

[Michael T]

I can't get it to allow me to attach a pdf or xls file I took a picture. If you can't read this let me know and I will try something else. Scroll down, the top part of the picture is black.

Just noticed the Producer column didn't format correctly so just ignore that.

[Gary Richardson]

I am far from an expert, and am sure that others will have more meaningful feedback for you. But my impression is that this is a pretty impressive start for just 3 years. You appear to have a good mix of VP, LBV, Tawny and a good variety of producers. The only suggestion I would have is to try to pick up (and drink!) a few Colheitas.

-- Gary

[Michael T]

Thanks for the quick review, I will look into the Colheita availability.

[Eric Menchen]

If you are looking more for things to drink now vs. long term aging, might I suggest some of the off-year Single Quinta Vintage Ports? They often can be found for less than their VP brethren, and also are often ready to drink sooner. Other than that, trying to find some older bottles might be nice, but those are hard to find inexpensively. Oh, and maybe some Quinta do Vesuvio

That is a really nice collection to start. I'd be happy to open bottles with you.

[John M.]

That's a very nice collection but you're' a bit heavy on new ports you should not be drinking for a long while. I would remedy that with SQVPs from the 1990s and maybe some of the better LBVs from that era (those meant to age like Warres, Smith Woodhouse, Noval, Crasto)

I've picked up a bunch of 1995 SQVPs in the past two years...most were under $50...some under $30 per bottle. No real blockbusters, but excellent QPR and drinkable now. I just saw Warres q.d. Cavadinha recently for $30/bottle at auction.

[Michael T]

Thanks for the recommendations guys, I will be 59 next month so I need to be buying port I can drink over the next 10 years. I see I am probably light on the older ports that will be drinking soon.

[Roy Hersh]

I don't have anything really expensive but I do have over 200 bottles now.

That is why Andy calls being a participant here, "A slippery slope". Good job for 3 years!

[Michael T]

I don't have anything really expensive but I do have over 200 bottles now.

That is why Andy calls being a participant here, "A slippery slope". Good job for 3 years!

Thanks Roy, looking forward to buying more with the next buying opportunity you recently mentioned.

[Moses Botbol]

@Michael - You need to have a few 1970 vintages in your collection. Personally, I think it's the best or at least top 3 vintage since WWII. Enough bottles are still around where you don't need a banker's mint to buy some.

[Al B.]

You've got a great collection which will make for some very enjoyable drinking over the next few years. If this was my cellar, I'd be looking to add some more ports from the 1980s and 1970s as and when opportunities arise at a sensible price.

I also see that you like your tawny port. If I were in your shoes, I'd be tempted to try some colheita ports to see whether these were worth adding to the stock. There are some 1995 colheitas on the market at the moment which you could compare to a 20 year old tawny and see what you think.

[Michael T]

Great recommendations all the way around, thanks for the replies.

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