laying down ~2008 - routine question?

[Barly]

Hello,

this might be a boring question, or an annoying one even: my son's a bit more than two years old now, and I thought by now, it's a bit clearer how ports of his age came out. I'd like to lay down a case, of 2008 or the years around it.

I've looked around a bit on the forum, but couldn't find much. (Maybe I didn't look well, though.) Could you help me? I realise this is not least a question of budget, but maybe this can be solved by being flexible about the size of the case. (Also, I'd like to lay down some claret - any quick tips to ponder about, or for a specialised forum to search around?)

I apologise for asking questions in a first post, but it'll take some time of tasing, reading and learning for me as a newbie before I make statements instead.

[mosesbotbol]

It's a little early on the 2008 vintage port. They'll start coming out soon and there will be plenty of talk on them. I am sure they'll be plenty of investment worthy cases. Several houses have cases in 6-packs too.

[Barly]

Thanks. In that case, I'd better wait for a little longer. Of course, the good ones will be more expensive by then, but I'm not an expert nor a gambler, and I take it when my son's 18 or 21, they'll still be more expensive than when he'll be three or four, right?

[JacobH]

Welcome to , Barly! Most of the Vintage Port produced in 2008 was Single Quinta Vintage Port; generally the second-label wines of the main Port shippers, produced from a single vineyard (quinta). These can often be excellent wines, and are usually a bit faster maturing which can be a bonus if you are thinking of drinking them in 16 or 19 years' time (which is usually at the lowest maturity point for Port), but they might not quite be as good as fully-fledged vintages, especially in the longer-term. Of those produced, Taylor's Quinta do Vargellas, or Quinta de Terra Feita and Fonseca's Guimaraens are all likely to be pretty solid examples of that style of wine from traditional shippers. Alternatively, if you want a full-blown Vintage Port, then something like the Quinta do Noval, Quinta do Vesuvio (both first-label Single Quinta Ports) or Niepoort Pisca could be possibilities, though someone who has tasted more of them is probably more likely to be able to help. Unless they are doing something different this year, it might also be worth noting that the Symingtons generally releases their SQVP when it's a bit older, so you might not see things like the 2008 Graham's Malvedos until 2020 or so.

Alternatively, you could look at 2007, which was a general declaration and may be a very good year in the end. 2007s to look out for, based on what I've tasted, are Quinta do Noval, Quinta do Vesuvio and Quevedo.

Prices are always a bit tricky; historically, in the UK, prices for older Ports have generally been quite reasonable (for an extreme example, I've just bought some 1991 Quinta do Roriz for less than half the price that Berry's is selling its 2007). But if you buy a case from a major shipper, through a reasonably priced merchant, you'll probably be doing fine. And, after-all, the Port is there to be drunk, not sold on.

[Barly]

Thanks a lot again! I'll have a look at these.

Concerning the price - absolutely, I'm not looking for an investment to sell later. Then again, with a given budget I get better (or more) port now or in a couple of years than in twenty years.

[DRT]

Barly,

Four Walls Wine Company have the Vesuvio 2008 at £34 per bottle (in 6 packs) In Bond: http://www.fourwallswine.com

Seckford Wines have Noval 2008 at £450 per case of 12 bottles In Bond: http://www.seckfordwines.co.uk

You can't go wrong with either of these sources or these wines.

Derek

[clawhit]

If you do go outside of 2008 then the 2007 Dow's is a 100 Point Port and will be a fantastic present - I wouldn't mind a case

[DRT]

If you do go outside of 2008 then the 2007 Dow's is a 100 Point Port and will be a fantastic present - I wouldn't mind a case

It's a great Port, but was less than half the price it is now before Parker awarded it 100 points. I think other 2007's represent better value for money right now, such as Graham's and Noval, if you are buying to drink. Dow is probably a good investment so long as Parker's opinion remains well respected for anothe four or five decades but who knows

Is Dow twice as good as the other front-runners in 2007? I don't think so. That is not putting it down in any way. I just think the market goes nuts when Mr P decides to write down three digits at the end of a TN instead of two.

[JacobH]

Is Dow twice as good as the other front-runners in 2007? I don't think so. That is not putting it down in any way. I just think the market goes nuts when Mr P decides to write down three digits at the end of a TN instead of two.

I completely agree. Indeed, I thought the Graham’s was the best of the Symington’s three main shippers (Graham’s, Dow’s and Warre’s) when I tasted them together and I don’t think the Dow was better than how I remember the Noval or Vesuvio Capela. That said, I wish I had bought a few cases of it before that review came out

Does Vesuvio still come in those attractive cases with the bin label and booklet? If Barly’s son turns out not to be a Port nerd, that might make it more attractive as an offering.

[DRT]

Does Vesuvio still come in those attractive cases with the bin label and booklet? If Barly’s son turns out not to be a Port nerd, that might make it more attractive as an offering.

Yes, that's how they come and I agree that as a gift for someone who might or might not turn out to enjoy port the Vesuvio presentation box is a great choice.

Barly,

If you are wondering what we are on about, the Vesuvio is always sold in cases that look like this...


Image Copyright of http://www.vintagewineandport.co.uk acknowledged.

Derek

[Glenn E.]

If you do go outside of 2008 then the 2007 Dow's is a 100 Point Port and will be a fantastic present - I wouldn't mind a case

It's a great Port, but was less than half the price it is now before Parker awarded it 100 points.

That wasn't Parker, that was James Suckling. I'm still baffled as to how he came up with that number.

Don't get me wrong, the Dow is excellent to outstanding. But it's not 100 points. I agree with Jacob - it's not even the best that the Symingtons have to offer for 2007. For me that goes to the Warre, and it still shocks me to say that because I'm generally not that fond of Warre. I usually have the Dow (and the Graham) around 94.

My favorite of the vintage was Quinta do Vale Meao, but it should be noted that I still haven't managed to try the Noval.

[DRT]

That wasn't Parker, that was James Suckling.

Oops! My argument stands. One guy using an extra digit shouldn't double the price.

Noval was m favourite from the vintage. Stunning wine. The Vesuvio Capela seemed to overtake the standard Vesuvio after a year or so from bottling but both are fabulous. Graham, Dow and Warre were also excellent.

Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to taste the TFP wines from 2007 so can't comment.

[uncle tom]

Noval was my favourite from the vintage.

Same here (of 2007) - and the only one I've bought at release.

Of the 2008's that I've tried so far, Taylor Vargellas tops the bill, outgunning the Taylor 2007 which I had at the same time. The Fonseca Guimaraens 2008 is also a good wine, running the Fonseca 2007 a very close race.

Don't underestimate the potential of 2009 - a Malvedos cask sample was stunning, and we also know that Niepoort are very pleased with their ports from this vintage.

Tom

[Barly]

Thanks again! That case is certainly nice, and I see the point that it might make it more attractive if in two decades, he isn't into port. (Hm, in that case, should I buy him a sixpack of alcopops for his 21st and drink the port myself? Nah.) Or maybe a dusty inconspicuous case will be more thrilling. Shan't make this a weighty factor of decision.