Warre’s Vintage Port 1994

I was recently treated to a Vintage Port tasting featuring about a dozen wines from different declared vintages in Port. Some were beautiful, some needed more time, some were already over the hill.

Of those dozen bottles, one stood out and unsurprisingly, came from the 1994 vintage which Wine Spectator gave 99 points and called a “classic vintage; superlative structure, fabulous harmony.” It’s the highest vintage rating they’ve awarded since 1948! And at 28 years of age, it is in the absolute perfect point in its trajectory with an easy 3-5 years more of perfection ahead. 

Robert Parker, Jr. gave it 95 points and called it “one of the finest Warres I’ve ever tasted” and “a profound example of Warre vintage port.” Additionally, “Tasters should take note of the wealth of peppery, licorice-scented and flavored raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Look for it to be ready to drink in 10-12 years, and keep for 30+.”