Info request: 1973 ports

[Andy Velebil]

With my b-day soon approaching in April, I have been trying to locate something from 1973 to buy to celebrate it. However, I have not been able to locate anything. Does anyone know where I can get a 1973 vintage. It doesn't matter if its a colheita, VP, whatever. After all, whats better than getting a bit tipsy with something from ones birth year.

[Al B.]

Andy

I've drawn a blank. I can't find any 1973 colheitas or VP's for sale in the UK. However, there is a wide variety of vintage madeiras available from the 1973 vintage ...

Alex

[Mike Kerr]

Andy,

Garrafeira Nacional in Portugal (according to winesearcher) has two 1973 ports available...not VP's mind you...

1973 Real Companhia Velha Colheita Port, 1973 £55.57
1973 Real Vinicola Colheita Port, 1973 £71.25

Not sure if they ship to the UK though. I suspect they do.

Mike.

[Tom Archer]

I believe the 73's were caught up in the alcohol scandal that broke in the spring of '74 - or were at least implicated.

With a poor harvest and the revolution the following year, this was a thoroughly miserable time for the growers and shippers.

The Casa intervened and bought up a lot of wine to support the industry - much of this wine is still festering in barrels that have not (I am told) had much TLC over the years.

It was announced a while back that these stocks were to be gradually sold off, but how they will appear on the market is a bit of an intrigue.

Tom

[Andy Velebil]

Well, Thanks for the info, looks like I am pretty much out of luck, bummer.

Mike, I doubt they will be able to ship to the US, but I will check on that to find out for sure.

[Alex R]

don't feel bad Andy, I have the same problem with my b-day year (1971).the only thing I could find was a 1971 quinta del noval colheita.at least it didn't cost me a arm and a leg :o :o :o