Vintageport.se

Est. 2011

Great Vintage Port Tasting

Vintage 1992 - Silver Jubilee 18%

In 1993 a couple of wine enthusiasts in Malmö, Sweden, with a special devotion for port wine, decided to start a Wine Society with focus on fortified wines, and port wine in particular. They decided to call the society 18%, both as an indication that the wines tasted in the society should hold more than 18% alcohol, but also as a fun remake of the The Swedish Academy, who are also called “The Eighteen”. One of the founders and original members of the Wine Society 18% is Sten Ivarsson – also co-founder of this web site. Both Jörgen and Stefan are also members since many years.

To celebrate the Silver Jubilee, marking the 25th anniversary of The Wine Society 18% we decided to have a special tasting. Unfortunately 1993 was a horrible year for Vintage Port and only one producer declared, Quinta da Romaneira’s single quinta Quinta das Liceiras. So to get a proper tasting we decided to add all the 1992 Vintage Ports as well. This turned out to be a bit of a challenge. We already had a lot of 1992’s in our cellars but we were of course missing some. After searching the web-sites of trustable re-sellers we could find a few more. Now we were down to three missing; Quinta dos Canais, Calem and Cruz. After talking to the producers and other experts we are now almost certain that Calem was never made, they only did Quinta da Foz in 1992. Cruz is still a bit unclear, it seems like it was declared but never sold. Quinta dos Canais was really hard to find but suddenly we got an email from our friend Axel Probst in Germany and he told us he had a bottle. So, with 23 Vintage Ports from 1992, which in fact can be all that have ever been on the market, plus the only existing 1993, we had our lineup for the Jubilee tasting ready with in total 24 Vintage Ports.

On November 8, 2018, we arranged the tasting in Malmö, and Axel Probst was kind enough to come and join us as a special guest. We were 16 attending participants in the tasting, which we set up in two flights with twelve wines in each flight. We had done a qualified guess on which wines should be the best, and put them in the last flight. Within each flight we randomly mixed the order to make the tasting semi-blind.

We have ranked the 1992 Vintage as an Excellent Vintage. The declaration was what is often called a split decision. The Symington’s and some others declared 1991 instead of 1992, whereas Taylor, Fonseca and Delaforce declared 1992. Many smaller companies declared both.

The top wines for the group were Taylor before Graham's Malvedos, not so surprising perhaps. The only 1993 in the tasting, Quinta das Liceiras, performed very well and was by many in the group ranked among the best. Fonseca did not perform as good as expected, some of us found the nose a bit off, without the normal power of a Fonseca but some loved it. On the positive side we found out that Calem Quinta da Foz performed very well, also Delaforce, Quinta Nova and Quinta do Passadouro were better than anticipated. The single quintas of Symington all performed on a good level, with Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim, Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha and Quinta do Vesuvio all ranked very nice.

First flight:
Flight 1

Second flight:
Flight 2

Tasting notes. Note that the points are for the actual bottle tasted. Read about how we set point on the page "How to understand our points valuations"

Sort on: Name Sten's rank Jörgen's rank Stefan's rank Group's rank

HouseGraham- MalvedosVintage1992
ColourStill a little dark, but yellow mature in colour.
BouquetButterscotch, cream candy, candy, crème caramel, toffee some cacao and coffee in the nose.
TasteQuite full-bodied. Almost mature and peaking but still with some very soft tannin. Balanced, complex and very elegant. Will probably even be better. A lovely, long and attractive finish. Wonderful and quite impressive port!
SAI point17.00JB point16.75SS point17.50Group point16.53
SAI rank2JB rank4SS rank1Group rank2
Comment
HouseTaylorVintage1992
ColourQuite dark ruby but with a yellow mature edge in colour.
BouquetCoffee, violet, cream candy, cacao and some spiciness in the nose.
TasteFull-bodied. Rather mature but still with delicate tannin and will be better. Violet, roasted coffee, cream candy, cacao in flavour. Complex and balanced port. Elegant, long and very attractive finish. Will be lovely to follow.
SAI point17.50JB point17.25SS point17.40Group point16.73
SAI rank1JB rank2SS rank2Group rank1
Comment
HouseQuinta da Foz CalemVintage1992
ColourStill very dark ruby with a yellow mature edge in colour.
BouquetToffee fudges a hint of crème caramel and ginger bread in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and quite peaking but with some elegant tannin. Quite dry but balanced and tasty with toffee, fudge and ginger bread in the mouth and with a very long and delicious finish.
SAI point17.00JB point17.40SS point17.00Group point16.23
SAI rank2JB rank1SS rank3Group rank4
Comment
HouseDelaforceVintage1992
ColourQuite dark but yellow mature in colour.
BouquetMinty, candy, sweetmeats, cream candy and some spiciness in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Candy, sweet meats and mint in taste. Still some very soft tannin and will maybe be better but is quite mature and almost peaking. Balanced and rather complex with a nice and quite long finish. Lovely and enjoyable port today.
SAI point16.25JB point16.75SS point16.75Group point15.93
SAI rank10JB rank4SS rank4Group rank9
Comment
HouseQuinta do VesuvioVintage1992
ColourStill quite dark in colour with a yellow edge.
BouquetCream candy, crème caramel, leather, candy and roasted expresso in the nose.
TasteQuite full-bodied. Rather mature but still with some soft tannin and will probably be better. Roasted coffee and crème caramel in taste. Easy to drink and enjoy with a rather long and rather attractive finish.
SAI point16.50JB point17.00SS point16.75Group point16.10
SAI rank5JB rank3SS rank4Group rank6
Comment
HouseQuinta do Bomfim DowVintage1992
ColourStill very dark but yellow mature in colour.
BouquetElegant bouquet with toffee, old grocery shop, cacao, coffee, butterscotch and some crème caramel in the nose.
TasteMedium bodied and quite mature and almost peaking but will be better due to some delicate tannin. Very dry. Cacao, butterscotch and cherry in taste. Balanced, elegant and quite complex with an attractive and lovely finish. Really easy to like this port.
SAI point16.50JB point16.50SS point16.50Group point16.23
SAI rank5JB rank6SS rank6Group rank4
Comment
HouseQuinta da Cavadinha WarreVintage1992
ColourVery yellow and mature in colour.
BouquetSalt liquorice, cacao, dark chocolate, toffee and candy in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and almost peaking but still with some soft and delicate tannin. Balanced and quite elegant with liquorice, cacao and dark chocolate in the mouth. Very attractive, elegant and long finish. Very easy to drink and like this port!
SAI point16.50JB point16.00SS point16.50Group point15.77
SAI rank5JB rank11SS rank6Group rank11
Comment
HouseOsborneVintage1992
ColourStill quite dark and a hint of ruby in colour.
BouquetSalt liquorice, spiciness and elegant toffee in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and on top. Will not be better but balanced and rather elegant and easy to drink and enjoy. Liquorice and spiciness in taste with a rather long and quite attractive finish.
SAI point15.90JB point15.75SS point16.40Group point15.77
SAI rank11JB rank15SS rank8Group rank11
Comment
HouseQuinta Sao Luiz KopkeVintage1992
ColourQuite beautiful yellow, mature in colour.
BouquetCacao, chocolate, candy and roasted coffee beans in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced and rather complex port with lots of cacao, candy and dark chocolate in taste. Will not be better but very easy to drink and really enjoy with a delicious finish.
SAI point15.75JB point15.40SS point16.40Group point15.37
SAI rank13JB rank18SS rank8Group rank17
Comment
HouseQuinta Nova de Nossa Senhora BurmesterVintage1992
ColourStill quite dark but yellow mature in colour.
BouquetFigs, cacao, coffee and chocolate in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Quite complex with balanced and quite tasty with figs, cacao and chocolate in the mouth. Quite modern style of port. Easy to drink and with a nice, quiet elegant finish.
SAI point16.40JB point16.40SS point16.25Group point16.07
SAI rank9JB rank7SS rank10Group rank7
Comment
HouseSmith WoodhouseVintage1992
ColourStill quite dark but yellow, mature quite beautiful in colour.
BouquetToffee, butterscotch, some herbs, liquorice, crème caramel, plums, cacao and coffee in the nose.
TasteAlmost full-bodied. Quite mature but still some soft tannin. Will be better. Complex and balanced port. Sweet. Lovely, long and rather attractive finish.
SAI point16.50JB point16.40SS point16.25Group point15.83
SAI rank5JB rank7SS rank10Group rank10
Comment
HouseQuinta de Agua Alta ChurchillVintage1992
ColourStill quite ruby in colour.
BouquetCacao, some violets, liquorice, spring flowers and dried fruit in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced with some nice acidity. Will probably not be much better. Dark berry and dried fruit but also some cacao and sweet liquorice in taste. Interesting and quite attractive finish but without any real finesse and elegance.
SAI point15.75JB point16.00SS point16.00Group point15.57
SAI rank13JB rank11SS rank12Group rank14
Comment
HouseBurmesterVintage1992
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetMinty, spiciness, herbs and old grocery shop in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced port with some elegance still with some soft tannin but will probably not be better. Mint and some spiciness in taste with a long and nice finish.
SAI point15.75JB point15.90SS point15.90Group point15.47
SAI rank13JB rank13SS rank13Group rank15
Comment
HouseQuinta do PassadouroVintage1992
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetLovely developed bouquet of coffee, toffee, cacao and paprika.
TasteMedium body. Mature and at its peak. Elegant and balanced. Roasted coffee beans, cacao and toffee in taste with a rather complex and attractive finish. Easy to enjoy and drink today!
SAI point15.90JB point16.25SS point15.90Group point15.97
SAI rank11JB rank9SS rank13Group rank8
Comment
HouseFonsecaVintage1992
ColourStill rather dark but also yellow mature in colour.
BouquetFudge, toffee, crème caramel, Christmas spiciness, ginger cakes, old grocery shop and much more in the nose.
TasteFull bodied. Rather mature but still with some soft tannin and will probably be much better! Ginger cakes, Christmas spiciness and toffee in flavour. Balanced and rather elegant with an attractive and long finish. Very enjoyable indeed.
SAI point16.90JB point15.90SS point15.75Group point15.00
SAI rank4JB rank13SS rank15Group rank18
Comment
HouseKopkeVintage1992
ColourMature, very yellow in colour.
BouquetCacao, chocolate, old grocery shop and mature fruit in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and at its peak. Cacao and chocolate in flavour. Still some very soft tannin but will probably not be much better. Balanced and rather elegant and very easy to drink. Not so long but quite attractive finish.
SAI point15.50JB point16.25SS point15.75Group point15.47
SAI rank16JB rank9SS rank15Group rank15
Comment
HouseQuinta dos Canais CockburnVintage1992
ColourMature yellow in colour.
BouquetCacao, herbs and roasted coffee in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Rather mature but still with some tannin and may be better. Quite tasty with cacao and herbs. Rather elegant and balanced with a rather descent finish.
SAI point15.25JB point15.00SS point15.75Group point15.00
SAI rank19JB rank21SS rank15Group rank18
Comment
HouseQuinta das Liceiras Quinta da RomaneiraVintage1993
ColourMature yellow in colour.
BouquetCream candy, candy and toffee in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced. Candy and cream candy in taste with a rather short finish but quite nice.
SAI point15.50JB point15.75SS point15.50Group point16.30
SAI rank16JB rank15SS rank18Group rank3
Comment
HouseGilbert’sVintage1992
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetFigs, candy, ginger, some herbs and Christmas spiciness in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and almost peaking but still with some soft and quite delicate tannin. Balanced and quite tasty with figs, herbs and candy in taste. Easy to drink and enjoy with a quite long and attractive finish.
SAI point15.50JB point15.25SS point15.40Group point14.83
SAI rank16JB rank20SS rank19Group rank20
Comment
HouseQuinta de la RosaVintage1992
ColourYellow, mature quite beautiful in colour.
BouquetToffee, some fudge, cacao and old grocery shop in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced and rather elegant with some soft tannin but will not improve. Coffee and fudge in taste with a nice finish. Easy to drink indeed. An interesting and long finish.
SAI point15.25JB point15.75SS point15.25Group point15.70
SAI rank19JB rank15SS rank20Group rank13
Comment
HouseQuinta da Eira Velha MartinezVintage1992
ColourQuite beautiful, yellow and mature in colour.
BouquetPharmacy, ether and old hospital in the nose but also some liquorice and dry fruit.
TasteMedium body. Quite old with some old acidity and unbalanced but still quite drinkable with a hint of liquorice and with a rather acceptable finish. What a pity!
SAI point11.00JB point9.50SS point12.50Group point12.77
SAI rank22JB rank22SS rank21Group rank22
Comment
HouseNiepoortVintage1992
ColourRather dark blue with a yellow mature rim in colour.
BouquetFudge, liquorice, some chocolate and leather in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature port with still soft tannin and may probably be better. Liquorice, fudge and cacao in flavour. Rather complex and balanced with a quite attractive finish.
SAI point15.25JB point15.40SS point11.50Group point14.83
SAI rank19JB rank18SS rank22Group rank20
Comment
HouseQuinta das Liceiras Quinta da RomaneiraVintage1992
ColourVery dark ruby in colour.
BouquetThis bottle is corked but with a hint of mint and some cacao
TasteMedium body. Mature and almost drinkable with some nice acidity and rather short finish. Nothing to do!
SAI point10.00JB point9.50SS point10.00Group point12.10
SAI rank23JB rank22SS rank23Group rank23
Comment
HouseQuinta do InfantadoVintage1992
ColourStill quite dark but yellow mature in colour.
BouquetThis bottle is corked and not enjoyable
TasteMedium body. Mature but the cockiness is disturbing the taste. Not enjoyable at all and with some volatile acidity
SAI point8.00JB point6.00SS point8.00Group point9.93
SAI rank24JB rank24SS rank24Group rank24
Comment

Last tasted:

2nd March
Bioma Vinha Velha
Niepoort 2016
Blackett 2013
Boeira 2021
Burmester 1992
Burmester 2020
Butler-Nephew 2003
Butler-Nephew 2017
Butler-Nephew 2020
Dalva
C. da Silva 2016
Dow 1994
DR 2002
DR 2013
Quinta dos Malvedos
Graham 2012
Kranemann 2009
Kranemann 2018
Maynard 2016
Niepoort 2015
Pocas Jr 2018
Portal 2000
Portal 2007
Quevedo 2021
Quinta do Bomfim
Dow 2009
Quinta do Cachao
Messias 1982
Quinta da Cavadinha
Warre 2006
Quinta da Devesa 2018
Quinta da Devesa 2019
Quinta do Javali 2017
Quinta do Noval 2021
Pacheca 2012
Pacheca 2016
Pacheca 2017
Pacheca 2019
Quinta do Pego 2015
Quinta do Pego 2016
Quinta do Pego 2020
Quinta da Prelada 2008
Quinta da Prelada 2016
Quinta da Prelada 2020
Quinta da Romaneira 2005
Quinta da Romaneira 2008
Quinta da Romaneira 2016
Quinta da Romaneira 2021
Quinta Seara d’ Ordens 2015
Quinta do Seixo
Sandeman 2019
Quinta Senhora da Ribeira
Dow 1999
Quinta das Tecedeiras 2016
Quinta de Terra Feita
Taylor 2005
Quinta de Terra Feita
Taylor 2008
Quinta de Vargellas
Taylor 2012
Quinta de Vargellas
Taylor 2015
Rozes 2016
Sandeman 2000
Sandeman 2016
Sequeirinha 2020
San Leonardo 2017
Taylor 2003
Vau
Sandeman 2000
Vieira de Sousa 2019

more...

Copyright © 2011 Vintageport.se All rights reserved.