For The Love Of Port

I'm buying a vintage port from Sherry-Lehmann to finish off a steak dinner this weekend, hopefully not too far above $100. Does anyone have any thoughts on the quality/value of these bottlings?

1983 Dow's or Warre's ($80)
1985 Quinta do Noval ($80)
1983 Fonseca ($105)
1985 Taylor's ($115)
1977 Sandeman or Warre's ($120)
1970 Warre's ($120)
1985 Fonseca ($125)
1970 Quinta do Noval ($130)

Alternatively, very grateful if anyone feels like browsing their inventory at http://www.sherry-lehmann.com to offer any other suggestions. Many thanks in advance!

Keith,

I can't see a bad option in the list and the prices all look reasonable to me on the assumption that all are in great condition and well stored.

The Noval 85 looks tempting at the price compared with the others from the same vintage but having had the Fonseca 85 recently I have to say it's worth the experience if you haven't had it before (you will find a tasting note in the Forum if you scan down a few lines/pages or use the search option)

The Warre 1970 is also a fabulous wine and well worth trying if you find it.

Good luck - be sure to come backand tell us what you choose and how it goes down

Derek

I'm a personal fan of the Warre 1983. Both this and the Dow '83 look fairly priced.

The Warre '83 doesn't get a great write up, but I love the wine when I get a good bottle.

Alex

I'd only exclude Fonseca 83 and NOval 85. I've not tasted the wines, but I've seen too many condradictions about the quality of the wines that I'd say its risky to buy them.

Warre's 77 is one powerful VP right now, Taylor from 85 is a favourite althought in its youth, Dow's 83 is smooth and complex drinking superbly. My pict would probably be Fonseca 85 as I've never tasted it and so many gave good reviews about this wine recently.

I'd pass on the Noval and Taylor '85 - while nice for sure, they are (IMHO) not worth the prices asked. I'd choose the Fonseca '85 or the Warre '77 / '70.

Derek, if you're tempted by Noval '85 at $80, could I tempt you with a bottle or two at $50 - or, what the hell, £25 cash?? :)

Tom

I've never had it or read anything about it so in my usual style was going purely on the label and the year - I think I'll pass on the offer, Tom :?

Derek

Thanks folks - I decided to go with the '77 Warre's, as several of us are also vintage '77... Any decanting tips? I'll probably end up double-decanting before dinner, then serving the thing about 4-5 hours later. Would that work?

Give it more time - I opened a bottle last December, and it was at it's best after 24hrs - so suggest you decant the night before.

Tom