Best undeclared vintage since 1931

[Alex Bridgeman]

If there was a shortlist for the title of 'Best undeclared vintage since 1931' - 1996 should be on there.

This was a nice quote by Tom in the discussion of a recently posted tasting note, one which I thought was worth a wider discussion. As guardians of all matters port, which vintages that were not generally declared would we consider worthy of the shortlist and the title of "Best [generally] undeclared vintage since 1931"?

[ajfeather]

I don't have experience of the first 30-40 years but I would vote for 1995 (so far). The SQVP from 1995 I have had have been v.good.

[Andy Velebil]

I would have to vote for 1987. Everyone one I've had has been remarkably young and still massive, and many have shown better than, or on par, with any other declared vintage of that decade. I have no doubt that had it not come on the heels of 80, 83, and 85 it would have been a declared year.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I have a personal like for the 1987 vintage, so would certainly give that some consideration.

However, some of the recent vintages not generally declared are extremely good. 1995 is excellent value for money, 1998 is very impressive for drinking right now. 2001 might well have been declared if 2000 hadn't been as good as it was. 2005 might also be a surprise with 10 years of bottle age.

Thinking back to earlier decades, 1976 is impressive for drinking now, 1978 is pretty good (but not up to the same standard as 1976). I can't really think of anything from earlier decades - it all seems to have vanished from the market!

So any other suggestions? Any votes for the best? I think I might start a poll on this soon.

[DRT]

I can't really think of anything from earlier decades - it all seems to have vanished from the market!

Presumably that is a consequence of an absence of large numbers of SQVP declarations prior to the 1960s?

[jdaw1]

Good thread.

I regret never having had a ’76, and should endeavour to try more ’87s.

[RonnieRoots]

I'm tempted to say 1987, because it clearly shows now how good that vintage is, with several ports performing at their top (e.g. Vargellas, Malvedos, Guimaraens, Niepoort), but something tells me that 2001 will be just as good in due time. Especially the Guimaraens in that vintage is exceptional.

[benread]

I'm tempted to say 1987, because it clearly shows now how good that vintage is, with several ports performing at their top (e.g. Vargellas, Malvedos, Guimaraens, Niepoort), but something tells me that 2001 will be just as good in due time. Especially the Guimaraens in that vintage is exceptional.

I second the Malvedosstatement above! Have also enjoyed very much the 1987 Quinta da Corte