07-08-09 Guide

[Nick Mc]

Looking for some advice for these vintages, all 3 are special years for me. What producers? Anything to watch out for?

[Eric Menchen]

Of those 2007 was the generally declared vintage, so lots of options there. I liked the Graham's straight up, and thought Quinta do Vale Dona Maria Vintage Port and Quevedo had lots of potential. Cockburn Quinta dos Canais was pretty good, and after that Quinta do Vale Meão and Noval Silval are o.k., with the latter being a candidate if you want to open something earlier. Surprisingly, I was disappointed by 2007 Taylor, but I would try it again.

[Glenn E.]

2007 had some real surprises. My Port of the Vintage (out of 26-28 tried) was the Quinta do Vale Meao, and the Porto Rocha, Duorum, Portal, and Magalhaes were surprisingly good. Sandeman was much too tannic for me back then, but has mellowed out a bit and is now a fantastic VP. Graham, Vesuvio, Fonseca, and Taylor were all right up there as well.

I think the only 2008 VP that I've had is Quevedo. It's possible there have been others, but I remember having 2008 at the Quinta.

2009 was declared by the Fladgate Partnership, but only a few others. Some try to argue that it should have been fully declared, but I don't think that's true. If you want something special, Taylor did declare a Vargellas Vinha Velha for 2009. Symington Family Estates declared a limited quantity of Warre (500 cases) as a commemoration, not for commercial reasons, and then released SQVPs from their other brands.

[Mike J. W.]

I'm with Eric on the '07 Graham's. I think it's an excellent Port. Try one, but give it a long decant because it's so young.

Otherwise, I don't have much experience with those years.

[Frederick Blais]

Quevedo's 2008 Vale D'Agodinho is one of my favorite, I love the single expression of this Quinta, so unique. It has digested some of its tannins but it remains mainly on the primary fruit character at the moment.

I had Niepoort Bioma 2008 last week end, this is such a baby as well, well balanced looking promising.

I have very good memories of Taylor's and Warre's 2009 but have not tasted them in quite a while.

I really liked the 2007 when they were young, a really fresh expression, many were displaying that ''esteva'' character.

[Nick Mc]

Thanks everyone. I will do some searching!