2007 Vintage Port Wrap Up

[Moses Botbol]

I had a chance to sample many 2007 VP’s last night at a Douro wine event. Did not take notes, but typing this only 15 hours later, so still fresh in my memory...

To my surprise, Taylor and Fonseca have already sold out in our region according to the representative!

Taylor did not show the power or pepper that I would’ve expected, yet was the most massive port for long term aging.

Fonseca actually had a little of the power that I would’ve expected from Taylor but was not as tannic as Taylor nor as sweet as I would’ve thought

Croft really nailed it on keeping their profile. Had the tangerine-mandarin orange taste that is the same with every one of their vintages. Not as hot as I would’ve expected a Croft to taste. This could be an epic vintage for Croft.

Kopke is showing some wonderful fruit and is in the middle of power among the VP’s. Going to be a wonderful vintage for them, but probably won’t age as long as Taylor.

Noval was just sublime. It’s hitting on all cylinders and just had so much depth of flavor. Probably the best 2007 out of the bunch; had everything from sweetness, acid, tannin… You name it and it’s got it.

Noval Silval was a step back right now. The Touriga Nacional was really potent and will need a long time to settle in. The regular Noval did not have that at all. Silval I would expect to be good in the future, but for me it’s too out of balance.

Dourum (sp) is a new brand and 2007 is their new vintage. A unique nose, perhaps flowery. A little soft yet delightful. Could be a great early aging port and a good first effort for them.

There were a few other brands, but I can’t remember what I thought of them such as Warre, Dow, Sandeman, Quinta da Romaneira…

Quinta Vesuvio has not present for 2007 VP, but their first dry wine was there and an excellent effort at that. At the same level as the Post Scriptum.

Ramos Pinto had their Duas Quintas Reserve 2004 which is really wonderful. I have a case, but never tried it and this wine has a long life ahead. Ramos did not bring their 2007 VP to the event.

[dan s]

Was this event held locally? Invitation only?

Dan

[Moses Botbol]

Was this event held locally? Invitation only?

Dan

It was an IDVP sponsored event on Duoro wine and port held at BU. There is some kind of boat event for wine tonight. I don't have any details yet. I heard next week is another IDVP event with all the wines of Portugal, but don't have any further info on that either.

Maybe AndyV would know? He is the IDVP wine event expert.

[Marc J.]

Moses, nice note on the 2007s. I went to BU for my Ph.D, but I can't recall their holding Port events.....

Oh well, I hope the IVDP tour comes out west!

Marc

[Marco D.]

Thanks for the notes, Moses. Do you know if a Noval Nacional was made in 2007?

[Moses Botbol]

Thanks for the notes, Moses. Do you know if a Noval Nacional was made in 2007?

No, nor did the rep. I asked that one.

[Glenn E.]

Thanks for the notes, Moses. Do you know if a Noval Nacional was made in 2007?

No, nor did the rep. I asked that one.

Last I heard (June or July) was that they had not yet declared a Nacional, but that it was still under consideration. They have until next spring to declare, as I recall, so they may just be waiting to see if the wine develops properly before declaring.

[Tom Archer]

I would expect that Noval will have sent samples of the Nacional to the IVDP for approval, as they do almost every year.

Whether they decide to market it, is another matter..

Tom

[Moses Botbol]

I would hold off if I was Noval unless it was too epic not to release. Has there been a recent vintage where Nacional, Noval, and Silval were all declared?

[Tom Archer]

Has there been a recent vintage where Nacional, Noval, and Silval were all declared?

According to my database, all three were made and released in '97,'00 & '03.

Tom

[Roy Hersh]

Has there been a recent vintage where Nacional, Noval, and Silval were all declared?

Several times including most recently the 2003!

Anyway, today I tried the Chuchill and also the Churchill's Gricha VPs from 2007 and they were both very solid VPs.

[Andy Velebil]

Anyway, today I tried the Chuchill and also the Churchill's Gricha VPs from 2007 and they were both very solid VPs.

I want to second that...despite some reviews to the contrary, Churchill's 2007 VP's are excellent and should be on anyones buy list for 2007 VPs. Hows that for an inside tip