Newbie question

[Luke W]

Being very new to port I have yet to even try all the big houses yet alone the smaller ones. In reading tasting notes I see lots of comments about a certain year being unusual for a Dow or a Fonseca. I was wondering what are good vintages for the various brands that show their "typical" style? I would like to start trying different brands, but would hate for an off bottle or year to turn me off to an otherwise great port house.
Thank you for any information.

[John M.]

We need a BIG brush for your question.

If you're wanting to try the Vintage Ports, most houses only declare 2/3 per decade, so usually VP is very good to begin with. But to refine that, I'd say scour the Tasting Notes database. If you see certain ports at your local wine store, look them up first--your fellow port lovers have put it all here.

That being said, nothing wrong with tasting an average port if the price is OK--or even taking a flyer on an unknown. I think the more you taste, the better you can appreciate differences and subtleties.

[Tom Archer]

There is a fairly easy way to answer this question - try the '70.

Most of the big shippers made good wines in 1970 that were typical of their style. Whilst there are exceptions to the rule, the vintage offers a good benchmark, not only for style, but (for newcomers) they also elegantly demonstrate the concept of maturity.

Tom

[Luke W]

Thank you Tom. I will pick some up and give em a try. Weather getting just about right for shipping.

[Eric Menchen]

Tom reminds me ... I often say that I've never met a 1994 I didn't like. But the fact is, some of them are a little brash and need time. 1970 on the other hand, has given me nothing but wonderful experiences. I'm sure there are some poorly stored bottles out there, and the Royal/RCV in my cellar might be past its prime, but I would certainly recommend trying 1970 VPs.

[Moses Botbol]

I am with Tom, 1970 is the best vintage where everyone had a home run and are still going strong today. Taylor, Fonseca, Dow, and Niepoort will rock your world!

[Luke W]

Thanks Moses. I see my first order.

[Tom Archer]

I often say that I've never met a 1994 I didn't like. But the fact is, some of them are a little brash and need time

Some of the '94's are going through a dumb phase at the moment, but I think patience will be soon rewarded, as it appears to be a very forward year in terms of maturation timeline. I called a halt on drinking teenage VP at home as too many of them are obviously immature, and I have plenty of older bottles.

The '94's will probably start putting in an appearance on death row in 2014 or 2015..

Tom