What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

This forum is for discussing all things Port (as in from PORTugal) - vintages, recommendations, tasting notes, etc.

Moderators: Glenn E., Roy Hersh, Andy Velebil

What is the greatest year for Vintage Port from 1900-2000

2000
0
No votes
1994
1
2%
1970
9
21%
1966
10
24%
1963
3
7%
1945
8
19%
1931
1
2%
1927
9
21%
1912
1
2%
1900
0
No votes
 
Total votes: 42

User avatar
Tom Archer
Posts: 2790
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:09 pm
Location: Near Saffron Walden, England

Re: What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

Post by Tom Archer »

Given how humid it can get there and if an old ventilation system they have not had regularly cleaned out, mold in the ventilation system could very well be the issue.
That or the chemicals that are used to ward off the risk of Legionella perhaps..
Phil W
Posts: 265
Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2011 4:54 am
Location: Cambridge, UK

Re: What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

Post by Phil W »

My votes went to '27 and '70.

I would like to have included '12, but haven't had a sufficient span to select it instead of '27, though the very few I have had have been exceptionally good; but the '27s just seem to be incredible wines with so many still retaining such power, depth and complexity even after all this time.

Of the '45 through '70 period, we have several excellent candidates, though I was very surprised to find '55 missing from the list (though perhaps I should not be, having commented on what is to me a surprising low rating given to the year by Roy on the FTLOP vintages chart). Were '55 present, it would have taken my second vote; without it as an option, I would have to go with '70 or '45; I gave the vote to the '70 simply because of much greater experience. and the apparent wide range of fantastic ports available within this vintage in excellent condition, and I believe '70 will eventually be seen in the same light as '12, '27, '45 and '55 regarding a glorious old age.
User avatar
Shawn Denkler
Posts: 185
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2005 10:21 am
Location: Napa, California, United States of America - USA

Re: What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

Post by Shawn Denkler »

Interesting to see the 1966 vintage rated far better than 1963. Yet the critics said that 1963 was the best year.

Similarly the 1970 is very highly rated yet critics rated 1977 the better year by far.

The lesson seems to be that Vintage Port ages so well that people can not predict how well it will hold up and its ultimate life span.
Shawn Denkler, "Portmaker" Quinta California Cellars
User avatar
Tom Archer
Posts: 2790
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:09 pm
Location: Near Saffron Walden, England

Re: What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

Post by Tom Archer »

The lesson seems to be that Vintage Port ages so well that people can not predict how well it will hold up and its ultimate life span.
Ever read Suckling's book? He must find the drinking windows he prescribed really embarrassing now..
User avatar
Andy Velebil
Posts: 16811
Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 4:49 pm
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States of America - USA
Contact:

Re: What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

Post by Andy Velebil »

Tom Archer wrote:
The lesson seems to be that Vintage Port ages so well that people can not predict how well it will hold up and its ultimate life span.
Ever read Suckling's book? He must find the drinking windows he prescribed really embarrassing now..
I always get a good chuckle to myself when I read most drinking windows reviewers give top end VP's. I recall some time ago seeing one for a Fonseca VP that was something like 15 years.
Andy Velebil Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. William Shakespeare http://www.fortheloveofport.com
Moses Botbol
Posts: 6037
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:38 am
Location: Boston, USA

Re: What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

Post by Moses Botbol »

Andy Velebil wrote:
Tom Archer wrote:
The lesson seems to be that Vintage Port ages so well that people can not predict how well it will hold up and its ultimate life span.
Ever read Suckling's book? He must find the drinking windows he prescribed really embarrassing now..
I always get a good chuckle to myself when I read most drinking windows reviewers give top end VP's. I recall some time ago seeing one for a Fonseca VP that was something like 15 years.
At least you wouldn't "miss the boat" if you listened to his advice.
Welsh Corgis | F1 |British Cars
Eric Menchen
Posts: 6677
Joined: Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:48 pm
Location: Longmont, Colorado, United States of America - USA

Re: What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

Post by Eric Menchen »

Moses Botbol wrote:At least you wouldn't "miss the boat" if you listened to his advice.
But you might have jumped ship before the best part of the cruise.
User avatar
Tom Archer
Posts: 2790
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:09 pm
Location: Near Saffron Walden, England

Re: What is the greatest year for Vintage Port of these?

Post by Tom Archer »

But you might have jumped ship before the best part of the cruise.
Absolutely!
Post Reply