1994: A Progress Check of “Younger” Vintage Ports

(Wednesday, February 8, 2017) — Over the last couple of years, Winetasters has had the pleasure of enjoying classic “old” Vintage Ports from the 1960’s and 1970’s.  But for something a little different, we are now ready to have a look at a “younger” vintage, both to provide some variety and to see how the excellent 1994 is now progressing after a mere 22 years.

Register online. Register by mail.

1994 was one of the finest Port vintages of the last thirty years, so we are in for a treat!  The 1994 Vintage Ports are known for their extra-ripe fruit, extremely long life and beautiful structure.  In fact, there are some who are saying that this is one of the best vintages of the 20th Century, comparable to the 1970 vintage.  In Vintage Port terms, it is still early on, but we will get an opportunity to see if the experts are right.

We have eight different wines in this tasting and they have been chosen to illustrate the broad range of ageability that exists in the world of Vintage Port.  Several are well known classics which seem to age forever and may well be at an early stage in their development (Fonseca, Graham’s and Taylor’s).  Others are likely further along their maturity curve and might be expected to be more accessible at this point in time (Churchill’s, Duff Gordon, Martinez and Quinta da Eira Velha, a single vineyard bottling also from Martinez, for an interesting comparison).  And just to make the picture complete, we also have Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage, so we can see how an LBV compares to its Vintage counterpart, especially in terms of its aging profile.

Vintage Ports are known for their complexity and the fact that the winemaker’s style makes each house unique.  Given that we will have eight different wines from an excellent vintage, we will be able to compare their styles and decide for ourselves where these stand in terms of drinkability.

As always with our tastings, this event will be strictly non-smoking, and we request your cooperation in not wearing any scented after-shave or perfume.  Using public transit is strongly encouraged. Do not drink and drive.

Date:  Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Time:  6:45 p.m.
Limit:  88 people
Members: $77*
Guests: $87*

*Price including HST

North York Memorial Community Hall
5110 Yonge St. (under library)
North York Centre Subway

Cancellations accepted up to Monday, February 6, 2017— Jennifer Curran (905-829-4675 evenings). No reservations by phone, please. No confirmations will be issued — you will be contacted only if we are sold out.  First come basis. Non-members may attend at guest rates, but preference will be given to members.

You can register online using a credit card at winetasters.ca, or send in this form with a cheque.

GST/HST account: 844742619RT0001  Business Name: Winetasters Society of Toronto

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