2007 Recommendation

[Matthew P.]

Hi, a friend and I are interested in buying a case of 2007 Vintage Port. Neither of us have ever purchased a case so any additional pointers would be helpful too.

We're thinking about one of the following:

2007 Taylor Fladgate (Wine Spectator score: 97)
2007 Warre's (Wine Spectator score: 98)
2007 Graham's (Wine Spectator score: 99)

What are your recommendations/suggestions?

Thanks!

[Glenn E.]

First off, I'd say Wine Spectator's scores are a little too high across the board. All three are excellent Ports, but I don't think any of them rate scores quite that high. For me, 97-99 requires something "above and beyond" simply being an outstanding example of a vintage Port. These are all excellent or outstanding or however you what to say it, but that's all they were to me. There wasn't anything to take them beyond.

That said, of those three and at release I liked the Warre the best by a small margin. This surprised me at the time (a 2009 blind tasting) because I'm normally not a big fan of Warre's vintage Ports. My opinion of the Graham has climbed a little bit since release, but it's still essentially tied with the Taylor. I haven't had the chance to taste the Warre since release so I don't know how it might have changed.

You can't really go wrong with any of those three as they will all keep for decades. Buying the least expensive would be a perfectly reasonable choice.

[Eric Menchen]

Quinta do Noval? Or one of the things you listed. Or a mixed case? Checking my notes for 2007, I bought mostly Noval and Quevedo, then Warres and Fonseca ... and no Taylor, which was an oversight of sorts as I waited to find some at a lower price.

[Rob C.]

Is your purpose to drink in 30 years, or as an investment?

If you want a Taylor, i'd look at 2003 or 2009 rather than 2007.

[Al B.]

And don't overlook the Sandeman 2007

[Marc J.]

My vote would be for Warre, although the Taylor & the Graham are very solid I think that the Warre is slightly better - at least to my palate.

[Moses Botbol]

And don't overlook the Sandeman 2007

My vote would be for Warre, although the Taylor & the Graham are very solid I think that the Warre is slightly better - at least to my palate.

Good one. Best Sandeman since 1980 and 1994

I really enjoyed the Warre as being the best Symington brand of the vintage.

[Matthew P.]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

[Rob C.]

Good one. Best Sandeman since 1980 and 1994

I enjoy Sandeman 1980, but i can't deny that i'll be disappointed if my 2007 does not turn out better than that, or even the 1970!

[Moses Botbol]

I was offered a 2007 Dow magnum for $170, maybe $160 if bought took two... You think I should take them? Was in a a slide lid OWC. Seems kind of expensive to me, but maybe not?

[Glenn E.]

I was offered a 2007 Dow magnum for $170, maybe $160 if bought took two... You think I should take them? Was in a a slide lid OWC. Seems kind of expensive to me, but maybe not?

That seems like a reasonable premium over 2 bottles, so if you like the 2007 Dow I'd say it's a good buy.

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[Ronald Wortel]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Vesuvio, that was one of the highlights of the 07 vintage for me.

[Tom Archer]

If the year 2007 is important to you, Noval would be my clear choice.

If you want to buy a young vintage port to lay down, your grandchildren will thank you for a case of Taylor 2009.

If you want to lay down a case that will be drinking superbly in 30 years time, how about Niepoort 2005?

Or if you'd rather only wait 20 years, why not Graham 2003..?

[Roy Hersh]

I agree with Rob!

If you want a Taylor, i'd look at 2003 or 2009 rather than 2007.

Here is an article I wrote on the 2007's which includes lots of tasting notes: http://www.fortheloveofport.com/vintage ... t-forecast