What to drink in 2015

[Alex Bridgeman]

I stumbled across a blog entry on Berry Brothers' website which made for a quick 2-minute read. I found it interesting to see what Tom Cave's thoughts were on the relative merits of the vintages 1963-2011.

[RonnieRoots]

I think Cave is a very fitting name to have if your occupation is "Cellar Plan Manager".

[RonnieRoots]

But to go back to the original subject: I was recently thinking about this as I wandered over my inventory and thought of what to open when we're back in Holland on holiday this summer. Next to the older declared vintages, I thought it could also be worth opening some of the 1987's (I have a good stash of Vargellas and Niepoort) and some of the lesser 95's (Bomfim, Cavadinha). What are your thoughts, too young still or will these go nicely?

[Alex Bridgeman]

1995s are drinking OK but I think they'll be better in 5-10 years.

1987 is a great year to drink now but also has everything they need to grow and mature. I'd drink 1985 and 1991 before 1987. But that may just be my personal prejudice.

[CaliforniaBrad]

I don't have a particularly wide selection in my cellar of any particular year, but '95 is probably best represented of any, simply because it seems to be very easy to find at very affordable prices. I agree that my favorites (Noval and Fonseca) definitely have plenty of life for the next decade, I haven't run into one that isn't enjoyable now, especially if you like more fruit and less secondary characteristics. I'll have no qualms about buying and drinking more of them over this year and the next few. I'll also be focusing on certain '83s and '85s that I think are in a prime window, such as RP83, Ferriera '85, and O83&85.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkz. U

[RonnieRoots]

1995s are drinking OK but I think they'll be better in 5-10 years.

1987 is a great year to drink now but also has everything they need to grow and mature. I'd drink 1985 and 1991 before 1987. But that may just be my personal prejudice.

Good to hear. I think I'll try one of the '87s, just to see where it's at.

[AWGH]

I stumbled across a blog entry on Berry Brothers' website which made for a quick 2-minute read. I found it interesting to see what Tom Cave's thoughts were on the relative merits of the vintages 1963-2011.

Agree with his assessment about 1980. Still have access to plenty of 2011....

[LGTrotter]

I stumbled across a blog entry on Berry Brothers' website which made for a quick 2-minute read. I found it interesting to see what Tom Cave's thoughts were on the relative merits of the vintages 1963-2011.

Agree with his assessment about 1980. Still have access to plenty of 2011....

I agree with his point that they have turned out better than first supposed. Many may not make old bones, but I think quite a few will. No hurry for Dow, Warre or Graham I think.

Glad to hear there are some 2011s still around, I am always a little suspicious when we are advised to buy now or forever rue our loss. I have never found difficulty in finding any port vintage and I don't think 2011 will be any different.

[srae1234]

Hello, apologies if this has been covered elsewhere on this forum but it is my brother's 40th birthday and I'm looking to purchase something special for him to drink now. He's not an aficionado but loves to drink port and I am a total novice. Would it be too early for Dow's 2011 Vintage? If not too early, for how long would he need to decant. Backup if this doesn't work? 1970? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Many thanks.