I've been offered two bottles of Port

[jpcosta]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum, I'm not the biggest expert in port wine, despite having been born in the Porto city myself.
I wonder if any of you could help me understand what I have been offered. I made some pictures attached to this post if that helps.

One is a 20 year 1958 Quinta do Noval (bottled in 78)
The second is a 1985 Real Companhia Velha

So my question is, should I drink them or will these bottles benefit from being kept longer before opening? I have been told that certain bottles of Porto have a more or less known peak in their lives, at which point they should be opened, is that right?

[RAYC]

Hi,

I'd say both are probably ready to drink and would not benefit from further ageing.

The Noval looks like a 20yr tawny (blend of port from different vintages that have been aged in wooden casks, the blend having a loose association with an average age of 20 years), bottled in 1978. Generally it is not felt that these tawnies improve with time in bottle, and very extended cellaring may compromise the bottle. My personal guess is that the Noval will be drinkable, and you have a 50:50 chance that it will be nice!

The Royal Oporto 1985 is a vintage port, but unfortunately not one with a stellar reputation! (eg: here was the latest tasting note on a bottle by members of this forum) That said, it is not unknown for a Royal Oporto vintage port to throw up a surprise and actually drink quite well! Again, i don't think there's any need to cellar this further.

[jpcosta]

Hi,

Thanks for your input Rob, I was hoping I had a treasure in my hands the 58 will be the oldest port I have ever drunk, I really hope it will be good.
Since I don't have the best storage conditions in my small flat I will drink it next week when I come back from a short trip.

[RAYC]

Don't be too disappointed - opening these old bottles is always exciting!

Good luck!

[mosesbotbol]

Both bottles are ready to drink right now if not a few years ago. Enjoy and report back!

[uncle tom]

Generally it is not felt that these tawnies improve with time in bottle

- An oft repeated mantra that is not beyond dispute!

The old Noval tawnies have driven corks (alas - no more..) and do age very well if reasonably well stored.

That said, I doubt it will get much better going forward from now.

The '85 vintage may get a little better with a few more years, but I'd be quite content to drink it now.

So drink and enjoy.. Be sure to decant them a few hours before you want to drink them, so they have time to find composure..

[Andy Velebil]

Having had a 20 Year Noval tawny in that same bottle style (something from the 60's to early 70's IIRC), I can tell you it wasn't that good. Still drinkable, but had gone "flat". I believe most of it was tossed out.