The gaps in the collection

[RonnieRoots]

I was just browsing through my port collection on Cellartracker, and noticed the following:

• I have a healthy collection of young vintage port, but apparently haven't got a single bottle of 2005 VP in the cellar (I bought a few but drank 'em all young). I do have some 2004, plenty 2003, 2001 and 2000.
• Most of the nineties are well represented, but 1992/1991 is pitiful. Only two bottles of '92 (of which one is a LBV) and no '91 at all.
• I used to have quite a lot 1987, but apparently only 5 bottles are left (all Vargellas). I must definitely buy some more of this vintage.
• Up until 1976 quantities are good, but I hardly have anything older than that. Well, I do have ports going back to 1952, but most are single bottles. So, only 2 1970's, and single bottles of 1966, 1963, 1955 and 1952.

Conclusion: I shouldn't invest in young vintages, but in aged port!

So, what are the gaps in your collection?

[Axel P]

Ronnie, I got the same problem, but due to the low EUR-GBP relation I am strongly investing in mature VP right now. Anything older than 1970 is my motto for the year.

However, do buy the VP 2005 from Vesuvio or Roriz, since these are very good VPs from this year and should be achievable for reasonable prices soon.

And since you have some time to go, I think even buying 85s and 94s is a good option for the future. The rest will be left for the little Roots then...

Axel

[DRT]

I dont have nearly enough 1815s

[jdaw1]

I dont have nearly enough 1815s

Nor me. If you see a case at modest cost, let me know and we’ll split it.

[SushiNorth]

I dont have nearly enough 1815s

Nor me. If you see a case at modest cost, let me know and we’ll split it.

DRT -- don't let him fool you! No room for half-cases

[DRT]

I dont have nearly enough 1815s

Nor me. If you see a case at modest cost, let me know and we’ll split it.

DRT -- don't let him fool you! No room for half-cases

JDAW: Does this mean I need to find 2 cases?

[jdaw1]

JDAW: Does this mean I need to find 2 cases?

Well, if you find three cases then I’d be willing to take two. Just to be helpful.

[DRT]

JDAW: Does this mean I need to find 2 cases?

Well, if you find three cases then I’d be willing to take two. Just to be helpful.

Do you have room for one and a half cases?

[DRT]

Back on topic: My gaps are the 1980s and 1994.

[jdaw1]

Keep a case; drink the extra six bottles. Easy!

I’m always looking for budget 1955s to take to the Annual Dinner of a Club founded in that year.

[SushiNorth]

Back on topic: My gaps are the 1980s and 1994.

I wrote off the 70's as perhaps the oldest bottles I'll personally buy, and only for use on special occasions (thus limited investment). My main investment started in the 90's, but I found that I could easily get some of the 80's at the same -- or cheaper -- price. In the states I've had good luck finding Grahams (80/83, and sometimes 85), Warres 85, and Smith Woodhouse 83, 85 & 91. Vargellas 91 and 88 have also been easy to get my hands on, and fill in that late 80's/early 90's gap nicely. Most of those wines (except for the Graham's 85) show up in Wine Spectator between 89 and 93, which has been an accurate judge for me of how I'll enjoy the wine. Here are some ratings you'll find useful:
1983: above 90: Fonseca, Dow, Graham, Smith Woodhouse, Ferreira Seizo. Above 95: Niepoort, Cockburn
1985: above 90: Taylor, Warres, Niepoort, Cockburn. Above 95: Fonseca, Graham, Nacional.
1991: above 90: Dow, Warres, Graham, Croft.
If i didn't list it, it might mean i simply couldn't find a score. As I mentioned in a different thread, there is a lot of Smith Woodhouse in the market at the moment at reasonable prices.

[uncle tom]

I have yet to buy anything younger than 2003, other than that, the younger no-shows in my cellar are 2002, 2001, 1986, 1976, 1974, 1968 & 1961 (I write off 1971, 73 & 81)

Going back, I have several gap years in the 50's, and not enough 1950.

Of notable older years, 1937 is absent, as is 1914, 1900 & 1890

I have nothing from the 1880's, 1850's or anything prior to 1847..

..make that three cases of 1815, plus a bottle or two from the 'comet' vintage of 1811

Tom

[mosesbotbol]

More gaps in my collection than their Gaps at the mall... Lots of 80's stuff, decent selection of 94-95, some odd ball 70's stuff, and that's about it...

[Alex Bridgeman]

I have plenty of bottles from the 90s and 00s, but have been spending too much time drinking my 80s and 70s. These are the ones which are in distinct danger of turning into a gap in my stocks - I must try and source some decent wines from these decades as they are drinking extremely well at the moment!