For The Love Of Port

Twenty years ago, cases of six were relatively unusual, yet today it seems that most wine gets shipped out in six packs of varying design.

I have no regrets about this trend; cases of twelve are a bit of a struggle (especially down steep cellar steps..) and as most wine merchants tend to have only a handful of bottles of any given wine on display at one time, it saves them the hassle of having half empty cases in the stock room.

Perhaps in another twenty years, the 9 litre case will be consigned to history; in any event, I will then be in a much better position to opine as to which is my favourite Vesuvio!

Tom

Tom,
I've also noticed that in recent years here too. I've mostly seen it on the higher end wines and Ports, and rarely on the cheaper stuff. I assume there are a couple of reasons for that.
A) It allows people to purchase a "case" more easily.
B) Limited production or lower production wines can be distributed more widely. Although the major shops would get less the smaller places that normally would be left out would be able to get at least a 6-pack "case" or 2.
C) being packaged differently, it gives the appearance of a more expensive or exclusive item.

cases of twelve are a bit of a struggle (especially down steep cellar steps..)

No kidding!

Back on topic. Unfortunately I have only had the chance to taste the 89, 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 03 and 04 so can't comment on the 05

Apart from that one monumental tasting on 5th Oct 06 on the balcony at the Quinta with many who have commented here I have not tasted very many bottles of Vesuvio. The 94 is simply stunning. The 96 is a great wine to drink now, as is the 98. But, based on the impression I take from my own, un-scored, notes from the vertical I will choose the 97.

My favorite is easy - 1994. I have more of this in my cellar than any other wine. There are a lot of years that I'd recommend - 92, 97, 99, 2000, 2003... but the 1994 is still my favorite. I've tasted every vintage from 1989 to 2004. I'm still buying 1994's!
-Dave-

Vesuvio produce consistently great ports. My clear favourite is the 1994 - this is a fabulous port - but others are close.

Interestingly, Andy and I had the chance to drink the 1863 Vesuvio with Roy in July 2007 - it was a remarkably good wine!

Al B. wrote: Interestingly, Andy and I had the chance to drink the 1863 Vesuvio with Roy in July 2007 - it was a remarkably good wine!

Yes it was a good one and interesting to note that Vesuvio was spelled a little different...VEZUVIO