1. 2000
2. 1997
3. 2003
(Considering getting some more 2003.)
Jan-Tore,
Your view is rarely embraced here by others, but I think for some, it is a very solid strategy. I don't think that young Port lovers can do much better than owning some of the great 2003s that are still in the marketplace. Of course you have to be a smart shopper.
I realize that these '03s will probably not escalate in price, so buying them later won't be all that expensive. However, knowing where the bottles have been is worth the cost of admission, at least to me. Of course, your current age will determine if you are going to enjoy these 35 years from now when most of the top dozen+ 2003s will really start to drink at their best. Nonetheless, they can be appreciated in their youth as well.
Ideally, I would buy lots of old Ports, but I've only been buying VP for a little over ten years, and not many old ones are available over here. The younger ones are, of course, more affordable, too.
multiple reasons for that order. Relatively new to Port, Classic Vintages, state occasions (2000: wedding year, 2003: year of birth youngest daughter) control of storing conditions and last but not least affordability. I would love to buy the great sixties and seventies. But here in Germany if availability is given prices are often ridiculous expensive. I often look jealously over the channel by reason of UK prices for mature Vintage Port.
Michael M. wrote:But here in Germany if availability is given prices are often ridiculous expensive. I often look jealously over the channel by reason of UK prices for mature Vintage Port.
Michael M. wrote:But here in Germany if availability is given prices are often ridiculous expensive. I often look jealously over the channel by reason of UK prices for mature Vintage Port.
Michael,
We all do
Some of us are more jealous than others, because some of us can't drive to the U.K. for a shopping spree because the "channel" is a tad wider.
I'm encouraged by Tom's cellar, which gives me something to aspire to, although it's hard on this side of the pond. In order:
1994: 83
2003: 67
2000: 57
1977: 32
1966: 25
My database (Cellartracker) suggests that 1985 is 6th, although I know that to be incorrect given the case of Dows and Warres in plain sight in my cellar along with the odds and ends...must be time to inventory :?
BTW, what producers? I happen to enjoy '96s quite a bit, but don't get to drink many. Favorites are Vesuvio, Vargellas and especially Nacional, but also the fine Pocas. Looking forward to your response.
BTW, what producers? I happen to enjoy '96s quite a bit, but don't get to drink many. Favorites are Vesuvio, Vargellas and especially Nacional, but also the fine Pocas. Looking forward to your response.
This is really just the result of a number of great deals, mainly from UK supermarkets. Over the past couple of years 1996 SQVPs have been the VP of choice in most supermarkets. I have picked-up 6 packs of Crasto, Vargellas, Bomfim and Malvedos over the past couple of years at around £10-£12 per bottle. I just haven't been able to say no to those prices :help: - I also have 3 x 6 packs of Vesuvio which cost me something like £90 each via an auction deal. I have tasted all of these and, although they are all very approachable now, they all have enough in them to make me want to build a stash that I can enjoy over 10-15 years. This is a very good QPR year if you can find the right deals.
Derek T. wrote:Over the past couple of years 1996 SQVPs have been the VP of choice in most supermarkets. I have picked-up 6 packs of Crasto, Vargellas, Bomfim and Malvedos over the past couple of years at around £10-£12 per bottle. I just haven't been able to say no to those prices :help:
I don't have my inventory handy, and I haven't moved over to CellarTracker yet. However, I think it would be a toss-up between 1977 and 1985. I think 1977 would win out however.
