1983 Taylor's VP

This forum is for discussing all things Port (as in from PORTugal) - vintages, recommendations, tasting notes, etc.

Moderators: Glenn E., Roy Hersh, Andy Velebil

Post Reply
User avatar
Andy Velebil
Posts: 16811
Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 4:49 pm
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States of America - USA
Contact:

1983 Taylor's VP

Post by Andy Velebil »

First, let me say I hope everyone had a great New Year. Since sunny Southern California is pouring rain right now, and since I was supposed to go see the Rose Parade but decided to stay dry at home this year, I am doing a little cellar reorganizing and catching up here on FTLOP.

So, I recently picked up 2 of these and I did a search for any tasting notes, However, I could not find any. What are your thoughts on this VP? Should I drink now or should these be stored for a bit longer before opening?

Any info is always welcome and I hope everyone has a great 2006 :!:
Andy Velebil Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. William Shakespeare http://www.fortheloveofport.com
Frederick Blais
Posts: 2744
Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 10:07 am
Location: Porto, Portugal

Post by Frederick Blais »

Andy I also hesitate to open one of these. I once search the web to find what expert and enthousiast think about it. Some were very impressed and others very deceived. Kind a like it or not Port.
Living the dream and now working for a Port company
User avatar
Tom Archer
Posts: 2790
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:09 pm
Location: Near Saffron Walden, England

Post by Tom Archer »

Not the best year for Taylor - the '80's and '85's both sell for about 10% more.

However I did pick up a case from Sotheby's recently (15% cheaper than the best price on '03's!)

Judging by Broadbent's comments, this one is not going to improve further, so no excuse for not giving us a TN!

Tom
Stuart Chatfield
Posts: 214
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2005 5:08 am
Location: London, England

Post by Stuart Chatfield »

I'm in the same boat as Tom. This is clearly a lost year for Taylor as there are few rave reviews. I too put in a bid recently, at Christies, and got a case from an impeccable source at a remarkable price (less than GBP30 per bottle including all costs).

I've put it into storage for now, but going by Broadbent I will take it out within a few years.

Would like to see some notes from others first
Stuart Chatfield London, England
User avatar
Roy Hersh
Site Admin
Posts: 21825
Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2005 1:27 am
Location: Porto, PT
Contact:

Post by Roy Hersh »

Obviously I am a huge Taylor fan. But I have always said, that the '80s was "the lost decade" for Taylor as 1980, 1983 and 1985 were all mediocre wines. A real shame. The best of the bunch is the excellent 1987 Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas. Otherwise, you can skip Taylor Port from the lost decade.
Ambition driven by passion, rather than money, is as strong an elixir as is Port. http://www.fortheloveofport.com
User avatar
Tom Archer
Posts: 2790
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:09 pm
Location: Near Saffron Walden, England

Post by Tom Archer »

Roy,

If you're in Seattle, it must be the middle of the night there now!

Tom
User avatar
Roy Hersh
Site Admin
Posts: 21825
Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2005 1:27 am
Location: Porto, PT
Contact:

Post by Roy Hersh »

Tom,

It is almost 3:30. Speaking to friends in the UK, Portugal and SA is a frequent event in my household. You'll never see me posting at 8 or 9 a.m. that I can tell you. I do my best writing at night when the house is quiet. That stems from a lifetime working nights in hotels and restaurants.
Ambition driven by passion, rather than money, is as strong an elixir as is Port. http://www.fortheloveofport.com
Stuart Chatfield
Posts: 214
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2005 5:08 am
Location: London, England

Post by Stuart Chatfield »

Roy Hersh wrote:Obviously I am a huge Taylor fan. But I have always said, that the '80s was "the lost decade" for Taylor as 1980, 1983 and 1985 were all mediocre wines. A real shame. The best of the bunch is the excellent 1987 Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas. Otherwise, you can skip Taylor Port from the lost decade.
I'd agree on the 80 (which I've had a lot of) and the 83 (which I've had very little of but I am about to try some more :twisted: ) however, I can't understand why so few people like the Tayor 85 :? . Although I doubt it'll have the staying power I like it almost as much now as the 77.
Stuart Chatfield London, England
Steve Saxon
Posts: 79
Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 8:06 am
Location: Gig Harbor, Wa.

Post by Steve Saxon »

I just had the 83 Fonseca for New Years, and found it to be good but not memorible. This was my second 83 (I had the 83 Taylor) in the last 6 months, and from what I can tell, the 83 vintage is weak. And unless someone can recommend something better, I will avoid buying anymore wines from this vintage.
Wine brings truth.
User avatar
Tom Archer
Posts: 2790
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:09 pm
Location: Near Saffron Walden, England

Post by Tom Archer »

I had a lame bottle of Fons '83 - reminds me to try another one...

Tom
User avatar
Andy Velebil
Posts: 16811
Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 4:49 pm
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States of America - USA
Contact:

Post by Andy Velebil »

Thanks for all the great feedback. I guess I'll pop these sooner than later. When I do I, of course, will post TN's.
Andy Velebil Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. William Shakespeare http://www.fortheloveofport.com
User avatar
Ted D
Posts: 128
Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:53 am
Location: Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America - USA
Contact:

Post by Ted D »

I've had the Taylor 80, 83, and 85 - and agree with Roy! This is not what Taylor is about.

They are OK, but I expect an aweful lot more from an even average Taylor!!

I like the 83 Fonseca - no, not phenominal but damn good. Incidently I dislike the 80 Fonseca as it's weak and watery (maybe an off batch? Possible, but I don't think so).

The 83 Cockburns is the pick of the litter - but too young

Ted
Any Port in a Storm
Post Reply