For The Love Of Port

Ok, here comes another one of my own hypothetical scenarios leading to the question.

You can choose any VP you'd like but it must come from 1970 or younger. You are dying to try it because you never have had the chance and have always wanted to, for one reason or another. For some it will be their young holy grail, (notice: PLEASE do not discuss pre-1970 VPs in this topic). while for others it may be the one wine they've never seen for sale. There could be a million other reasons, but please do stick to the 1970 or younger VP part of the equation.

I need to ponder this awhile before I answer my own question, because this is TOUGH for me to pick just one. As the "dictator" as some have fondly called me ... I will delete any silly laundry lists (or maybe I'll sick Andy on you! ).

I anxiously await your responses!

Fonseca 1983 - Don't know why. Just like Fonseca.

Probably Taylor Vinha Velha 1997. I was amazed by the 95 and the 97 is so rare.

Taylor's Vargellas 1987 - because you told me I need to and because I have some in storage but don't want to take them out :?

After some deliberation, I would have to say Niepoort 1994. I have only one measly half-bottle that I don't want to open yet. I've tried very few Niepoort VP's because I just haven't seen a lot of them for sale in my area. From what I have tried, I've found Niepoort to be quite drinkable rather young, and I imagine the 1994 would be fantastic around now

Probably Taylor Vinha Velha 1997. I was amazed by the 95 and the 97 is so rare.

I think I'd go with this one as well.

Quinta do Vesuvio 1994 ... oh, wait a minute I've had that one so that doesn't count.

More seriously, I'd love to try the 1983 Nacional. I know that Nacionals from the early and mid-80s have a reputation for being weak examples of these wines but I would love to find this out for myself without having to risk a chunk of my money on what could be a disappointment.

There are some other "recent" ports that I would love to try, but Roy won't let me post more than one

Alex

Idea - perhaps I should post another reply under a pseudonym like "Mr Vesuvio", no-one would ever know that was me...

1970 Taylor's -- I've posted before that my dad saved one of these for my 21st birthday, and that at the time, I had NO interest in port (or wine of any kind), so the experience was lost on me. Hence, I would like to repeat it with my current level of appreciation for all things vinous.

So, this may not count since I have had this port before, but since I don't recall it at all, I think I can slip this one past the judges....

R

Al B. wrote:Quinta do Vesuvio 1994 ... oh, wait a minute I've had that one so that doesn't count.

More seriously, I'd love to try the 1983 Nacional. I know that Nacionals from the early and mid-80s have a reputation for being weak examples of these wines but I would love to find this out for myself without having to risk a chink of my money on what could be a disappointment.

There are some other "recent" ports that I would love to try, but Roy won't let me post more than one

Alex

Idea - perhaps I should post another reply...[/i]

Anytime you want to come to Montreal, I'll be happy to open one for you to show you how it is weak :)

1970 Niepoort VP.

I've had the Colheita but the VP has always eluded me :?

Andy,

Next time you come up here or I come down there, please remind me and I will bring my last of these great Niepoort '70s. Always a very fine experience, and one of Rolf's best.

I also would go for the Niepoort 1970. Because I have never had it, heard it was good from many voices on this site, am a big fan of Niepoort, and cannot find it for love or money. Roy, perhaps you can bring that bottle to SF instead of LA? No fires, no traffic...

Jay

Frederick Blais wrote:[Anytime you want to come to Montreal, I'll be happy to open one for you to show you how it is weak :)

You never know, maybe one day I will find a reason to travel to Montreal - after all, we do have a business in Canada even if it is based in Mississauga and not Montreal.

Alex

There are dozen's and dozen's of Ports I'd love to taste from this time period. But to pick just one, I think it would be 1976 Fonseca Guimaraens. It's my birth year and the few notes I've read indicate it's a pretty decent Port.

Kris, we share the same birth year. I have been stumped on finding anything from '76 myself as of yet.)

I have not weighed in on this topic yet with my official answer because it deserves a great deal of thought... There is literally so much I have not tried yet want to... my answer coming in a few days folks.

Todd

I'd have to say Niepoort 1970. I have a bottle in my cellar and I'm REALLY looking forward to opening it one of these days.

Todd Pettinger wrote:Kris, we share the same birth year. I have been stumped on finding anything from '76 myself as of yet.)

Hi Todd, Only a few houses declared in 1976 so they're hard to find. There are several Colheitas out there though that are much easier to find and pretty good quality.

1970 Quinto do Noval Nacional

1970 is my birth year and I am fascinated with that particular plot of own-rooted vines.

In my case I would say any Nacional... I don't own any and from the prices I've seen, I don't think I will ever either. So that would be it for me.

cheers
Paul

Sticking with the birth theme....

I'd like to try a '77 Noval (my wife's birth year). Unfortunatley, '75 (my birth year wasn't as well received as the '77). Also, I could compare my notes with the '77 Warre's I had at my wedding last year.