Vintageport.se

Est. 2011

Great Vintage Port Tasting

Vintage 1989

On November 21, 2019, we arranged a tasting of 27 different Vintage Ports from 1989. We were 16 attending participants in the tasting, which we set up in two flights with fourteen wines in the first flight and thirteen in the second. 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 1989 Vintage as a Very Good Vintage. The Vintage was not generally declared and many of the larger companies, including Symington’s, instead produced Single Quinta Vintage Ports.

The top wines for the group were Barros before Quinta da Cavadinha and Feist. Noticeable is perhaps that Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim was on half-bottles, something that probably affected the score in a negative way.

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

HouseAguila Companhia Uniao dos Vinhos do Porto e MadeiraVintage1989
ColourYellow mature, very beautiful but still very dark in colour.
BouquetCream candy, toffee, cherry, toasted aroma and some coffee in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced port, easy to drink and like. Flavour of different toffees and torched sugar. Quite long and interesting finish. Drink and enjoy this port because it will not be better.
SAI point15.90JB point15.90SS point16.25Group point15.69
SAI rank9JB rank14SS rank4Group rank10
Comment
HouseArmada C. Da SilvaVintage1989
ColourStill rather dark but yellow mature colour.
BouquetMulberry, dark cherry blackberry and some liquorice in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Rather mature and maybe peaking even if some very soft tannin still exist. Liquorice, toffee and mulberry in taste. Balanced and quite elegant with a nice and rather long finish. Very easy to drink and enjoy today
SAI point15.40JB point16.00SS point15.00Group point15.56
SAI rank17JB rank9SS rank22Group rank12
Comment
HouseBarrosVintage1989
ColourStill dark in colour but with a yellow edge.
BouquetLovely nose of butterscotch, toffee, raisin and dark chocolate.
TasteMedium body. Quite mature and peaking but still with some elegant tannins and will be better. Quite dry but coffee, chocolate and butterscotch in taste. Balance and complex with a very elegant and attractive finish. Easy to drink and like. Just drink it and enjoy it!
SAI point16.00JB point16.00SS point16.00Group point16.34
SAI rank6JB rank9SS rank7Group rank1
Comment
HouseBurmesterVintage1989
ColourYellow mature, quite nice in colour.
BouquetMinty, oak buy also volatile acidity in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking but the taste is destroyed of some unbalanced and volatile acidity and the finish seem to be rather short.
SAI point10.00JB point12.90SS point8.00Group point12.28
SAI rank27JB rank26SS rank27Group rank25
CommentThis bottle was defect.
HouseCabraco Companhia Uniao dos Vinhos do Porto e MadeiraVintage1989
ColourQuite beautiful, yellow mature in colour.
BouquetFudge, mint, liquorice and some spiciness in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Will not be better. Quite sweet with mint, liquorice and spiciness in taste. Balanced and also elegant with an attractive and nice finish
SAI point15.50JB point15.90SS point15.25Group point15.63
SAI rank13JB rank14SS rank20Group rank11
Comment
HouseCalemVintage1989
ColourVery mature yellow in colour almost a hint of tawny. Very beautiful indeed.
BouquetSweetmeats, toffee, cacao, some chocolate and candy in the nose.
TasteMedium body Mature and peaking with toffee and crème caramel, candy and sweetmeats in taste. Quite sweet and elegant port. Easy to drink and enjoy with a quite nice finish.
SAI point15.90JB point15.00SS point15.50Group point15.09
SAI rank10JB rank22SS rank15Group rank21
Comment
HouseCalvares Companhia Uniao dos Vinhos do Porto e MadeiraVintage1989
ColourStill rather dark almost ruby with a yellow rim in colour.
BouquetFudge and dried fruit in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced and quite elegant with fudge, toffee and maybe some chocolate in taste with an attractive finish. An astonishing good port.
SAI point15.40JB point16.25SS point15.40Group point16.16
SAI rank17JB rank4SS rank19Group rank4
Comment
HouseChampalimaudVintage1989
ColourYellow, mature in colour but still rather dark.
BouquetLovely bouquet with crème caramel, chocolate, figs and some cacao in the nose.
TasteMedium bodied. Mature but still some tannins and will develop more and be better. Creme caramel, butterscotch and old grocery shop in taste. Very impressive port with an attractive finish.
SAI point16.00JB point16.00SS point16.00Group point15.50
SAI rank6JB rank9SS rank7Group rank15
Comment
HouseCruzVintage1989
ColourYellow mature, very beautiful in colour.
BouquetToffee, liquorice, fudge, burned candy and some crème caramel in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mostly toffee, burned candy and liquorice in flavour. Mature and peaking. Balanced and tasty but quite sweet. Interesting finish with lots of liquorice. Quite astonishing port!
SAI point16.25JB point16.00SS point15.75Group point16.06
SAI rank4JB rank9SS rank12Group rank6
Comment
HouseDacosta SogevinusVintage1989
ColourVery bright amber in colour.
BouquetChristmas raisin, figs, dried fruit and French plums in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Will not be better so drink and enjoy. Elegant and balanced. Raisin, figs and dried fruit in taste. Quite attractive and rather long finish. Easy port to appreciate.
SAI point15.50JB point15.25SS point15.50Group point15.53
SAI rank13JB rank21SS rank15Group rank13
Comment
HouseDom Joaquim Companhia Uniao dos Vinhos do Porto e MadeiraVintage1989
ColourYellow mature in colour but still very dark.
BouquetDry fruit, dark berries but the bottle is corked.
TasteMedium body. Mature but still with some soft tannins. Dry fruit, dark berries and dark cherry in flavour but not quite drinkable when it is corked. Balanced but rather dry port but not enjoyable.
SAI point13.00JB point13.50SS point10.00Group point12.22
SAI rank24JB rank24SS rank25Group rank26
CommentThis bottle was corked.
HouseFeistVintage1989
ColourYellow mature but rather dark in colour.
BouquetLovely bouquet of toffee, figs, cream candy and fudge in the nose
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balance and very elegant and tasty. Toffee, butterscotch, and fudge and much more in the mouth. Sweet but very complex port with a long, seductive and attractive finish. Very good for the vintage year!
SAI point16.50JB point16.25SS point16.50Group point16.28
SAI rank2JB rank4SS rank2Group rank2
Comment
HouseKopkeVintage1989
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetFudge, some toffee, candy and violet in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Will not be better but balanced and very tasty. Toffee and candy in taste and the finish is quite seductive but maybe a little short but quite intensive indeed..
SAI point16.25JB point16.50SS point16.25Group point16.00
SAI rank4JB rank1SS rank4Group rank7
Comment
HouseMagales Companhia Uniao dos Vinhos do Porto e MadeiraVintage1989
ColourBeautiful mature yellow in colour.
BouquetButterscotch, toffee and some spiciness in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and at its peak. Quite sweet. Easy to like and to drink with a nice finish.
SAI point15.25JB point15.50SS point15.25Group point15.41
SAI rank19JB rank16SS rank20Group rank17
Comment
HouseF. MartinsVintage1989
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetCacao and dark chocolate in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Will not be better but very easy to drink an enjoy today. Cacao in taste and with a nice finish.
SAI point15.25JB point15.40SS point15.50Group point15.16
SAI rank19JB rank17SS rank15Group rank19
Comment
HouseMaynard Barao de VilarVintage1989
ColourStill very dark, almost ruby in colour.
BouquetToffee, butterscotch and candy in taste.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced and easy to drink. Will not be better. Toffee and butterscotch in taste. Rather intensive and attractive quite sweet finish.
SAI point15.50JB point16.25SS point15.90Group point15.78
SAI rank13JB rank4SS rank10Group rank9
Comment
HousePedro Lopez Douro Wine Shippers and Growers AssociationVintage1989
ColourBright, yellow mature in colour.
BouquetZest of orange and mature tropical fruit in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking but will not be better. Balanced and easy to drink and like with tropical fruit in taste. The finish is quite nice. Drink up!
SAI point15.25JB point15.40SS point15.75Group point15.44
SAI rank19JB rank17SS rank12Group rank16
Comment
HousePrime MessiasVintage1989
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetSome toffee cacao but also volatile acidity in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature but with quite a lot of volatile acidity and not enjoyable but the finish was not terrible.
SAI point12.00JB point10.00SS point12.00Group point12.50
SAI rank25JB rank27SS rank24Group rank24
CommentThis bottle was defect.
HouseQuinta do Bomfim DowVintage1989
ColourBeautiful, very yellow mature in colour.
BouquetCandy, cacao, toffee and butterscotch in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature but still with some very attractive tannins and will maybe better? Balanced with candy, toffee and cacao in taste. The finish is quite nice, long and expressive.
SAI point15.50JB point15.40SS point15.50Group point14.34
SAI rank13JB rank17SS rank15Group rank23
Comment
HouseQuinta do Cachao MessiasVintage1989
ColourYellow mature colour.
BouquetPharmacy, burned sugar and butterscotch in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking with a little unbalanced acidity but quite drinkable. Burned sugar in taste and an acceptable, light finish Not quite convincing.
SAI point15.00JB point16.00SS point15.00
SAI rank22JB rank9SS rank22
Comment
HouseQuinta da Cavadinha WarreVintage1989
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetMenthol, coffee, cacao, dried fruit and old grocery shop in the nose.
TasteQuite full-bodied, sweet and elegant. Mature but with some very elegant and attractive tannins and will probably develop more. A balanced port, lovely to drink today. Coffee, cacao and old grocery shop dominate the taste and the finish is very long and attractive.
SAI point16.75JB point16.40SS point16.75Group point16.28
SAI rank1JB rank2SS rank1Group rank2
Comment
HouseQuinta do EstanhoVintage1989
ColourYellow, mature in colour.
BouquetSweetmeats, toffee butterscotch and some fudge in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking but with some very elegant tannins and will probably be better. Elegant and very tasty with toffee and butterscotch in the mouth. Lovely port and very easy to drink and enjoy with an intensive and long finish.
SAI point16.50JB point16.40SS point16.40Group point16.16
SAI rank2JB rank2SS rank3Group rank4
Comment
HouseQuinta do Fojo ChurchillVintage1989
ColourStill very dark almost ruby but with a yellow edge in colour.
BouquetThe nose is corked even if a hint of roasted coffee may be in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Quite mature but the taste is destroyed of the cork taste. The finish seem to be rather long but hard to judge.
SAI point11.00JB point13.00SS point9.00Group point11.34
SAI rank26JB rank25SS rank26Group rank27
CommentThis bottle was defect.
HouseQuinta do InfantadoVintage1989
ColourLovely yellow, mature in colour.
BouquetCoffee, dried fruit, ginger and butterscotch in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking port but with some elegant tannins and will perhaps be a little better. Butterscotch and ginger in flavour. Elegant and with a nice but maybe short finish.
SAI point16.00JB point16.25SS point16.25Group point15.13
SAI rank6JB rank4SS rank4Group rank20
Comment
HouseRocha SogevinusVintage1989
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetDried fruit, French plums, Christmas spiciness, and burned sugar in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balanced but no fruit left. Dried fruit, French plums and spiciness in taste. Easy to drink. A modern vintage port with a quite attractive finish.
SAI point15.00JB point15.40SS point16.00Group point14.91
SAI rank22JB rank17SS rank7Group rank22
Comment
HouseSilva-Luz Douro Wine Shippers and Growers AssociationVintage1989
ColourYellow mature in colour.
BouquetToffee, cacao, some spiciness and old grocery shop in the nose. Quite generous bouquet.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking but still with some elegant tannins. Flavour of toffee, some spiciness and old grocery shop. Balanced and elegant with a lovely and quite intensive finish. Very good indeed.
SAI point16.00JB point15.00SS point15.75Group point15.22
SAI rank6JB rank22SS rank12Group rank18
Comment
HouseVasconcellosVintage1989
ColourYellow mature and very beautiful in colour.
BouquetElegant and attractive bouquet with spiciness and herbs especially basilica and thyme in the nose.
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Balance and quite complex with thyme and basilica in taste. A lovely port to drink today. Drink up. We do not think it will be better. The finish is quite delicious and attractive but maybe a little short.
SAI point15.75JB point16.25SS point15.90Group point15.53
SAI rank12JB rank4SS rank10Group rank13
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

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