For The Love Of Port

Am I missing the boat , in not buying many LBV's .

Well... yes and no. I generally use LBVs as a way to keep my hands off the Vintage Ports. There are some very good ones these days. I would say that the quality of LBVs has risen dramatically in the last 10 years. For value drinking, there's no choice - LBVs are a great value. So, if you are looking for a younger drinking Vintage Port, then yes, you are missing the boat. Two extra years in barrel really helps to polish the rough edges and smooth the wine's structure. If you like to drink Vintage Ports young, then you've got to check out LBVs. I will add that I'm shocked at how well some LBVs age. Maybe I'm wierd, but I prefer LBVs from a great producer and great year to a SQVP from a great producer and off vintage. I just don't see the value in paying double for the SQVP.

If you are talking about collectability or are interested in only older VPs or Tawnys, then you aren't missing anything.

-Dave-

yes, there are a good number of quality LBV's out there for very good prices (amost all are less than $30). The 2003 Niepoort LBV is one that is a stellar young LBV that will no doubt age gracefully for another 15+ years. It won't ever be great, but when I got them for less than $17/each earlier this year, what a deal. Especially when it allows me to keep from drinking my VP's to fast or before they mature.

I prefer LBV's for more regular drinking as I find they tend to stay a little more fresher longer after being opened.

I just may take a look at what Lbv's have to offer .
For now , I've taken to drinking Madera (mostly malmsey ) and 20 yr old tawnys to get me through the everyday grind .

There's plenty of good LBV's that are worth considering. Warre, Ramos Pinto, and Niepoort all do a good job. I have had a few others I can't think that were an excellent QRP.

It depends on which SQ vs. LBV for me to decide what I would prefer. My initial reaction is to side with the SQ.

I hear you about deciding what to drink at that price point. I think I could settle on Broadbent 10 yr. Malmsey if it was up to me...

In recent years, in addition to many of the big name producers -- the consistency and delicious nature of the Quinta do Crasto LBVs has been very solid, as has the Vista Alegre LBVs too, but don't overlook Quinta da Javali either, although not around long ... their LBVs are really quite tasty and darn close to VPs when really young. I have also been a fan of the Quinta do Portal Unfiltered LBVs too, as they're quite good, year in and year out.

Roy Hersh wrote:I have also been a fan of the Quinta do Portal Unfiltered LBVs too, as they're quite good, year in and year out.

Oh ya, forgot about that one... Good choice.

Edit 10/27/08 - Not a Calem LBV, but Calem Colheita '94

As I am typing, I am trying out the Calem 1994 LBV. Not sure I would put on my top list. Tastes very mature like a Colheita than a vintage style. Nuts and wood really come through, not much fruit, with some pleasent sugar on the finish. Recommended for opening and drinking! Not much decant time required.

I was suprised to see a 94 LBV being shown (got the bottle at the PT. wine show in Boston tonight).

Quinta do Infantado LBV is worth checking out. I will look into that one again and LBV's in general. Tomorrow we are going to the same show in Providence.

One very good unfiltered LBV that you may have access to in la Belle Province is Noval... I pick it up whenever I can and it is fantastic!

Todd

Todd Pettinger wrote:One very good unfiltered LBV that you may have access to in la Belle Province is Noval... I pick it up whenever I can and it is fantastic!

Todd

You're probably referring to the 2001 LBV Noval .
At 25.00 $ , I think I'll take the chance . . .

Any thoughts/experience with these: (what is locally available...)

2000 Dow LBV
2001 Taylor LBV
2001 Graham LBV

Thanks,
Mike

Luc Gauthier wrote:

Todd Pettinger wrote:One very good unfiltered LBV that you may have access to in la Belle Province is Noval... I pick it up whenever I can and it is fantastic!

Todd

You're probably referring to the 2001 LBV Noval .
At 25.00 $ , I think I'll take the chance . . .

Yes, and at $25Cdn, I'd pick up a couple of cases! :) They recently jacked the price here on that same Port to $31/btl. It is setting me back a lot more when multiplied across 12 bottles.

It is great juice though Luc!

Todd