For The Love Of Port

The realisation that the 2003's and future vintages may not mature in my lifetime has led me to think about what I should buy.
I have nothing like enough VP to drink in the next 10-20 years.
What would you suggest for short to medium term ?
I know Taylors 63 would be great but sadly I'll have to aim for something more modest.

Hi, Ray, nice to read you.

I know it is not a high end nor a 'high' label Port, but I was recently very positively surprised by a most enjoyable Osborne VP 1997: to drink now and probably in the next 5/10 years. Much better than a '94 by the same producer I drank together.

Thanks Jesús,
we meet down every avenue !

sadly a search on wine-searcher shows no stockist in the UK or Spain but loads in the USA
Jesús, did you see it in Spain ?

Yes, in Spain - I bought some halves in Palafrugell (Girona) a couple of weeks ago. Amazingly prized, BTW: 10 EUR the '94, 8 EUR the '97. Now it seems I have the choice, through a friend, of buying 75cl at around 20 EUR. If it is 1997, I'll pick one or two bottles. No more, because my cellar is absolutely full and you know I do not drink portos as often as jereces.

Ray,

Your plight brought tears to my eyes!

If you look on Wine Searcher, I am sure that you could find VPs from 83, 85 and 97 which will provide reasonable short to medium term drinking. Dow 85 is not loved by the critics, but if decanted for a good 24 hours and allowed to open up is an enjoyable tipple. The Dow 83 is much better.

I had an e mail from Nickolls and Perks offering some bargain single quintas from 86 and 87. I have found Bomfin and Vargellas of those years both excellent over the years. Tanners (Shrewsbury) have plenty to fit the bill.

Seeks and ye shall find!

John Hardman

John,
thanks for feeling my pain !!
I was referring to the particular port referred to by Jesús.
I have seen Tanners oddments list but thanks for the N&P tip.
Also I'll do some searches on your recommendations.

For now, I love Graham, Fonseca, and Graham 83. Yes, they'll last a while!

For 10-20 years out, Fonseca and Graham 85, and Cockburn 83.

Oh, The Dow 91 rocks too

My 2 drachmas!

Ted
PS: With 83 and 85s at near current release prices, its a no brainer!

Ray Queally wrote:The realisation that the 2003's and future vintages may not mature in my lifetime has led me to think about what I should buy.
I have nothing like enough VP to drink in the next 10-20 years.
What would you suggest for short to medium term ?
I know Taylors 63 would be great but sadly I'll have to aim for something more modest.

I suppose "modest" is relative. What about '66s or '60s ? They're half the price of 63s and more than half as good. I think 60s are at their peak now, but go unnoticed between the greats of 63 and 55 etc.

A real bargain is Cockburn '94. I had a bottle last night and reminded myself what good value this is. Only ten years old and ready now. Still only about GBP25 at BBR I think.

Thanks for the tips.
any thoughts on Warres 88 or Dows 88
I've seen them around.

1988 was a poor year - probably the worst of the eighties.

Only the single quintas were bottled as vintages - Warre's Q. da Cavadinha and Dow's Q. do Bomfim.

Given the reputation of the year as a whole, I have never bought either of these, but they're reasonably cheap, and you sometimes get surprises!

From what I've tasted of the 88 VP, I've always been pleased. Warre's is sweet and jammy, fully mature, everything is integrated. For me the best was Malvedos, as good as a regular VP from good year and also vargellas is very good, showing lots of black fruits and licorice. I think the 88 are something to look out for if you want ready to drink, enjoyable port that don't cost you an arm.

I've never had or have an 88 but have several 89 yet untried anyone got any tasting notes

89 was reckoned to be a much better year than 88, but not as good as 90 which was not as good as 91 which was not as good as 92... (93 was a disaster)

Mayson rates Vesuvio for 89, but I can't personally vouch for it.

89's are not easy to find as vintage.

Tom i was in my local co-operative store and happened to notice they were selling a cruz 89 vp for £15 i never bought one,but found it a strange line to have in a small store.

Cruz are just bottling merchants who buy the wine no-one else wants.

Mostly they feed the needs of French alcoholics.

The idea of them doing a VP is slightly amusing, and I don't see their name on the vintage declaration lists.

But you're right - a web search found me a bottle of the '89 (complete with a picture of it in a fancy box)

http://www.drinksdirect.co.uk/acatalog/ ... n_Box.html

It's described as "Fine and Rare". I'll give them rare, but I'll need convincing about the fine bit!

Roy will confirm that I am unconventional or lost with my replies but--

Without breaking the bank, Ferreria from any year will be a bargain and good stuff. Dow 1995 Quinto de Bomfin is a good buy. Go to Winesearcher and prowl the sale bins of your local merchants and you can find some deals on VP's to drink between blockbuster botttles.

Hi Jonathan (response to email),

Here was just one of many threads on the topic.

In fact, most people who posted in this one are no longer with us. Several are and you will find some good info here to answer your question.