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Search for presents
Posted: 09:09 Fri 25 Apr 2008
by Paul R.
I was hoping to find a case of 1993 and 1995 vintage port as gifts for two brothers born in those years, for when they reach eighteen. Do these vintages exist and any suggestions of where I might locate at not too high a cost, gratefully received?
Posted: 09:29 Fri 25 Apr 2008
by DRT
Hi Paul,
Welcome to TPF.
1993 was just about the worst year the port industry ever had due to weather conditions. Only one shipper released a Vintage Port that year - Quinta das Liceiras. I have a case of it for my son who was born that year and have also seen some bottles for sale in Germany and the Netherlands.
1995 gives you far more options. It was not a classic year so you will not find the prime brands from the main shippers but you will find lots of what are known as Single Quinta Vintage Ports. A good option for you would be Quinta do Vesuvio. It comes in a nice presentation oak box with brass fittings with 6 bottles in each.
The best place to look is on
http://www.wine-searcher.com as you can search the databses of thousands of wine merchants across the globe with one search and then order online.
Derek
I’d rather you ‘missed’ by a year and bought 1994
Posted: 12:44 Fri 25 Apr 2008
by jdaw1
If I were one of the brothers, either of the brothers, I’d rather you ‘missed’ by a year and bought 1994, which is one of the finest years in ages. Or, cheaper but—for some of the houses—still excellent, 1985, which will be ready to drink in the early 2010s.
Posted: 13:55 Fri 25 Apr 2008
by Alex Bridgeman
An option for the brother born in 1993 might be to purchase some Hungarian Tokaij for him. This sweet white wine was very successful in 1993 and is what I have bought for my godson's 21st birthday.
Alex
Posted: 11:36 Sat 26 Apr 2008
by RonnieRoots
Tokaji would certainly be the way to go in 1993. Although you can get the Quinta das Liceiras, it will be of mediocre quality at best. A good alternative would be to buy 1994 instead. A classic year, and very hard to go wrong on any producer there.
Other good 1995's to consider (next to the Vesuvio, which will be a very good one to buy): Taylor's Vargellas, Graham's Malvedos, Warre's Cavadinha, Fonseca Guimaraens. Availibility of all of these shouldn't be a problem and they should age well.
Posted: 01:57 Sun 27 Apr 2008
by DRT
Paul,
Another alternative is to go for 1991 Vintage Ports will have been bottled in 1993, and will say so on the label. A good 1991 to go for would be the Graham's as it has many years of ageing potential and is an excellent wine.
Derek
Thanks
Posted: 12:02 Mon 28 Apr 2008
by Paul R.
My thanks for all the very helpful advice - I shall enjoy the search!
Paul R.