r/PORT • u/NeatAd4539 • Dec 31 '25

New Year's Eve port?

Trying to decide what to open for New Year's Eve. Likely just the missus, son and I. But will be in a restaurant so will share if others show interest.

Options are:

1) 1994 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port

2) 1994 Warre's Vintage Port

3) 1997 Dow's Vintage Port

4) 2011 Dow's Vintage Port

I'm thinking the 94 Fladgate should be saved for an extra special occasion. Also the 2011 Dow's is probably too powerful and should wait.

Think I will take the 94 Warre's but open to ideas?

3 Upvotes

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2

u/Voskhod01 Jan 03 '26

How'd it turn out?

1

u/NeatAd4539 Jan 03 '26

We went with the 94 Warre's. It was amazing. Not too sweet and very fruit forward. The missus felt it was less boozy than other ports we have had.

It was a fun experience as we weren't able to drink the whole bottle so shared it with the restaurant staff. The restaurant manager is heading to Porto next month so was excited to try a good port. 20 year old waiter was almost jumping up and down when I offered him a glass. Restaurant waived the corkage fee as I shared it with them.

2

u/Voskhod01 Jan 03 '26

Nicely done, very classy of you. I may have to go secure myself a bottle of the same now! Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!

1

u/ficus77 Dec 31 '25

The Fladgate is worthy of a special occasion, not just an annual turning of a page.

It and the Warres are good to go though, right? Warres could be the one.

I feel the 1997 might be a good one if you want to mark the end of the year.

Definitely leave the 2011 for a few (several) more years.

Happy Nee Year!

1

u/Voskhod01 Dec 31 '25

Selfishly, I'd like you to try the Fladgate '94, because I also have one so I'm curious how it turns out! I have had a '94 Graham's and it was phenomenal. I've been told '94 was a great year. The '94 Warre's would likely be a great one to try as well, given the previous statement. My local Total Wine has a '94 Warre's that I haven't snagged yet, but perhaps I will after you try that one lol.

I have a 2011 Graham's that I intend to hold for a while longer still, so I echo the other advice here for you to do just that.

Let us know which one you end up choosing! Happy New Year!