Recommend my first vintage port?

[Jeremy R]

I'm interested in trying my first vintage port and I was hoping for some suggestions. I really don't want to go over 100 USD on this purchase because I don't think I have developed enough of a palate yet. I'm looking for suggestions on a bottle to try that will really highlight why I'd want to go for an older VP vs. the newer LBV that I've enjoyed (and it seems many people here do). This should be a recommendation that could be enjoyed immediately.

Thanks in advance!

[John M.]

I'd look for an 85 Grahams, 83 Dows or 80 Gould Campbell....all in a good spot, all under $100 and I've seen them on WineBid recently.

[Andy Velebil]

John listed some good ones. Also you can get some 1977's for under $100 too. Such as Gould Campbell, Smith Woodhouse, Warre's, Graham's, etc.

I would avoid stuff from the 1990's as they are still quite young, unless you pick an off-vintage such as 1995 where they are reaching maturity. But since you want what I assume is a "real" VP experience I'd stick with something from a classically declared year.

[Moses Botbol]

'80 - '85 for Dow, Ramos Pinto, Fonseca, Taylor, Sandeman, Graham, or Ferreira.

[Andy Velebil]

'80 - '85 for Dow, Ramos Pinto, Fonseca, Taylor, Sandeman, Graham, or Ferreira.

Good call


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[Roy Hersh]

I'd take Taylor out of that short list with the exception of the 1985 which is def. better than 1983 and 1980, otherwise Moses did present a very good bunch. I actually like John's suggestions and Andy's "caveat" too.

[Jeremy R]

Thanks for all the suggestions; that gives me a good range of choices. I'm actually deployed to Afghanistan right now so I won't be able to pick anything up until the summer, but it gives me something to look forward to when I get home.

Thanks again!