Bottle of port for a special occasion?

So, me and the girlfriend are going up to NYC for an anniversary of ours and I was going to pick up a nice bottle of port either while I was up there or order one before-hand.

For Christmas I bought my old man a bottle of 95' Taylor Fladgate, which was beyond excellent, Warre's 10 year also is good. I was wondering if anyone had some personal favorites they'd like to suggest?

I guess my price limit sits about $60 a bottle

[kaisersozei]

We enjoy port, but rarely go the expensive route, usually keeping it in the $20 range. Mostly drink tawny port and don't see much of that in LBV or older stuff. I'd lean toward Fonseca or stick with Fladgate. What port do you normally drink, or is this a new venture?

Mosesbotbol is one of CA's port connoisseurs, he'll probably be of more help.

[mosesbotbol]

For around $60, these are my picks:

Andresen 20 Year Tawny
Ferreira 20 Year Tawny
1980 Sandeman
1980 Dow
1980 Taylor

I would avoid most 1994 and newer Vintage Ports (can taste "shut down") and many of them are above $60. Honestly, if you can get Andresen 20 year tawny, you're gonna love.

J. H. Andresen has been awarded “Port Company of the Year” (2010) by Revista de Vinhos; the most influent wine magazine in Portugal.

20 year Ferreira like a dream too.

If you find a specific bottle not mentioned, I can give you an opinion on it.

[earnold25]

why are the 1980's so cheap?

[kaisersozei]

Originally Posted by kaisersozei

Mosesbotbol is one of CA's port connoisseurs, he'll probably be of more help.

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

For around $60, these are my picks:

It's almost like it was scripted or something.

Awesome response mosesbotbol, i'm going to go around a price out a few of those

@kaisersozei
I'm relatively new to port, I've had enough cheap port to be able and tell the differences to good and to great port wine, so I figured while sparing no expense on this trip I might as well go for a nice bottle of wine to keep in the hotel room after those long nights.

[mosesbotbol]

Make sure to decant the tawny bottles for a least an hour or two before serving.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by earnold25

why are the 1980's so cheap?

They're not really that cheap, slightly less than 1985 or 1983. I think 1977 overshadowed it as it was one the first major vintages after the revolution.

I can't say for sure why they are less, but I can say buy all you can find.

[hammondc]

Moses- Is there a suggestion you have for 30 and under? I am very new to Port and would like to check some out.

[SteveH]

Here's my .02....
First- what are your tastes ? No sense in buying a $160 dollar bottle of Vintage when a $50 bottle of Taylor 20 will do the trick (which, by the way is my favorite tawny). All ports benefit from a proper decanting; although no need to go crazy with a tawny 10 or 20...Its perfectly fine after 15mins of the bottle being open. Careful though, as most ports will have sediment (especially if labeled 'Crusted')
Second - Not sure about where you are at; but you will not find any 1980 Dow, Taylor, or anything in the North East for $60. I reciently bought a bottle of 1980 Dow, 1980 Taylor, 1980 Fonseca, and 1980 Offley, and the prices ranged from $80 up to over $150 for a properly stored bottle.(Which, frankly I found the 1977 Dow much better than the 1980 fwiw)
Im guilty like most people in buying cases of 2007 vintages with the intent on storing them for a couple of decades. By far, the Quinta do Noval 2007 seems to be the most promising....If you see it - Snag it

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by hammondc

Moses- Is there a suggestion you have for 30 and under? I am very new to Port and would like to check some out.

Here are 3 that are good and easy to find

Taylor 10 Tawny
Dow LBV
Warre LBV
Delaforce 10 Tawny

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by SteveH

Here's my .02....
First- what are your tastes ? No sense in buying a $160 dollar bottle of Vintage when a $50 bottle of Taylor 20 will do the trick (which, by the way is my favorite tawny). All ports benefit from a proper decanting; although no need to go crazy with a tawny 10 or 20...Its perfectly fine after 15mins of the bottle being open. Careful though, as most ports will have sediment (especially if labeled 'Crusted')
Second - Not sure about where you are at; but you will not find any 1980 Dow, Taylor, or anything in the North East for $60. I reciently bought a bottle of 1980 Dow, 1980 Taylor, 1980 Fonseca, and 1980 Offley, and the prices ranged from $80 up to over $150 for a properly stored bottle.(Which, frankly I found the 1977 Dow much better than the 1980 fwiw)
Im guilty like most people in buying cases of 2007 vintages with the intent on storing them for a couple of decades. By far, the Quinta do Noval 2007 seems to be the most promising....If you see it - Snag it

You'll be waiting a lifetime to drink a 2007 Noval. 1980 Dow has less bottle variation than 1977 Dow and are on par in quality when the Dow 77 is "on". Take a look for Sandeman and Ferreira 1980 too; both are good and can be found at decent prices.

[SteveH]

Will do- thanks !

And ya - the way I see it, the Noval I'll drink at my kid's wedding (And I don't even have any kids yet - that I know of...)

[mosesbotbol]

Two other good cheap bottles to look for are Noval Black & Costco/Kirland 10 year tawny

[Old Sailor]

My fav is Taylor 20!