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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Mon, Jan 26, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Vintages: 1980 and earlier
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Latour |
1974 |
Pauillac Heavily Wine-Stained Label; Slightly Depressed Cork; Base Neck Fill |
$325 |
1 |
|
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| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
1979 |
Pauillac (5.0 L) 
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,504.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 92 (11/1991): Fruity, deep and firm, filled with plum and cherry, backed by youthful, stiff tannins. Needs time for complexity to develop. Try in 1995.--Lafite Rothschild vertical.
MB [***] (7/1999): Like a bad-tempered baby pulled out of its cot by a doting father it was presented on its first birthday prior to a Lafite dinner at Boulestin's in London. Raw and raucous. By the early to mid-1980s, it was hard and very tannic but with good length. At Penning-Rowsell's '10-year' dinner its nose and taste beginning to demonstrate Lafite fragrances, though a touch of astringency. I have just four notes over the past decade: peppery, high-toned; firm, flavoury but dry (Stockholm 1994). In a 'flight' of four Lafite imperiales, spicy, good fruit but raw, very tannic (1996). Yet another imperaile: attractive, enough fruit and in particular enough extract and tannin to cope with black truffle and marscarpone-crusted Brie (Bacchus Society 1997). Most recently, Jamie Guise's last magnum: still deep, rich, lovey; distinctly good, distinctly Lafite- it opened up fragrantly; pretty good yet still very tannic.
WA 87 (10/1997): I overrated this wine when it was young, and have not been as pleased with its evolution in the bottle. The wine has retained a cool climate high acidity, giving it a more compressed personality than I had envisioned. The color remains a dark ruby/garnet, but the nose has taken on a more vegetal, earthy note to go along with the new oak and sweet red and black currant personality. The wine's crisp acidity keeps its tannic edge aggressive. There is already some amber at the edge of the wine's color. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. d' Yquem |
1973 |
Sauternes Very Top-Shoulder Fill; Signs of Old Seepage; Heavily Torn Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$750 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 86 (12/1997): Surprisingly successful in what was a mediocre vintage for the wines of this region, the 1973 Yquem is overtly oaky and too spicy, but has very good concentration, less sweetness and botrytis than in vintages like 1975 and 1976, and is well balanced, fat, and long on the palate (only 12% of the crop was used for Yquem).
VM 79 (5/2025): The 1973 Yquem is a vintage that I have not encountered for many years. It was cropped at just 3.5 hl/ha between October 2 until November 21. It has a lightly adhesive-scented nose that lacks vigour, with subtle touches of mandarin. The palate is bitter on the entry with tangy Seville orange marmalade, and then it kind of "gives up" and scuttles towards an atypically abrupt finish. Drink up. Tasted at the château. (Drink between 2025-2027). Neal Martin. |
|
| | Madeira & Sherry |
| Broadbent |
1940 |
Sercial Madeira No Capsule |
$750 |
2 |
|
| |
| WS 89 (7/1999): There's plenty of richness and concentration in this Sercial, offering sweet notes of vanilla and molasses up front, then turning dry and tangy on the finish. Drink now. |
|
| | Port |
| Cockburn |
1963 |
Port |
$249 |
2 |
|
| |
MB [****] (5/2002): Many notes on a variety of English bottlings. Opaque, liquorice and raw brandy in 1965. Steady evolution through the 1970s and noted as complete and harmonious- at its best- in 1980. In 1985, lively looking with ruby glow; interesting bouquet, tea, chocolate, liquorice, citrus. Never very sweet, lean, sinewy. But in the mid-1990s, quite a good colour. Its nose reminded me of burny-out candle wax. Drying out. Most recently: palish, luminous; low-keyed at first but opened up fragrantly; lean dry finish but overall very appealing. Good length.
WA 86 (12/1988): This house tends to produce quite full-bodied, rich, alcoholic, spirited vintage ports that never have a great deal of complexity or finesse but offer meaty, chocolaty, spicy, full-bodied, alcoholic flavors at the expense of elegance.The 1963 is fully mature, spicy, with a chocolaty, meaty texture and somewhat hot, short finish. |
|
| Croft |
1963 |
Port |
$209 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2018): The 1963 Croft Vintage Port comes from a pivotal vintage in the Douro. The nose is well defined and quite feminine with an exotic element in the background that never comes to the fore. The palate displays good concentration and balance but is let down in terms of complexity and length, a Croft “playing it safe”, conservative and reluctant to take chances. It has a certain elegance to it, but I would punt for either the 1960 or 1966 Croft. Tasted in the Factory House in Porto for "Taylor's - The Story of a Classic Port House" book. (Drink between 2018-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
| Dow |
1963 |
Port Signs of Old Seepage |
$229 |
2 |
|
| |
| MB [****] (3/2001): Starting in 1965, I seem to have tasted an awful lot of Dow '63: 11 times up to the late 1970s, 20 times in the 1980s and well over a dozen in the 1990s. On the whole very good, though I recall one wormy-corked acetic disaster in the eraly days and a most unfortunate late-delivered, poorly decanted batch, hazy and bitter, at a livery company dinner in 1994. Bad handling can spoil a good port. There was a particularly fine magnum at the Dow bicentenary tasting: very deep colour, its rim somewhat indistinct, showing neither youth nor age; classic Spanish root bouquet; still sweet, rich, with marvellous fruit and flesh. The Symingtons told us that this was the last vintage of Dow foot-pressed in traditional open stone lagares. More recently drying out at a 'hog-roast' Bar-B-Q in Memphis, Tennessee in September 1999, but perfect weight, flavour and balance at Vintners' Hall. Drink now-2010. |
|
| Fonseca |
1963 |
Port Signs of Old Seepage |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [*****] (12/1998): From start (June 1965) to finish a consistently beautiful wine. One of the top '63s, and one of hte best-ever Fonsecas. Half a dozen notes in the 1990s, but in the mid-decade losing colour though still lovely, and a fragrant, elegant Oporto-bottling in 1998 surviving 'Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Praline' (oh dear! Why do these American gourmets do this?) Most recently, medium-deep, richly coloured; cinnamon and cress fragrance; still sweet, fairly assertive, tall, shapely, lissom. Perfecdt no-2015.
WA 96 (2/2013): This example was bottled in Porto and remained in the house’s bin until this tasting. The 1963 Vintage Port has a dark russet color. The nose is beautifully defined, perhaps this particular bottle less exuberant than other that I have encountered. It offers walnut, small cherries, juniper berries and a touch of spirit that expands in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful balance and fine tannins. It has tremendous weight matched by nigh perfect acidity. It is very harmonious, almost honeyed towards the finish with hazelnut and cloves infusing the decayed fruit and hints of menthol on the spicy aftertaste. This is a sublime Fonseca that will last another two or three decades with ease. Drink now-2030+. |
|
| Offley |
1963 |
Boa Vista Port Cracked Wax Capsule |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Moreira |
1966 |
Colheita Port |
$150 |
3 |
|
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|
| Warre |
1970 |
Port |
$134 |
2 |
|
| |
MB [***[*]] (12/1996): Well over two dozen, all complimentary. By 1990, pristine purple easing a little, and starting to mature; lovely fruit, fragrance and vinosity. One bottle in 1994 packing a punch, lacking Warre elegance, another, later, 'elegance' re-instated. Later still the same year, at a big Symington tasting, firm flavour noted. Next year in Hong Kong, complete. And so forth. My notes range from medium-sweet to very sweet but, as so often, one's perception depends on the context in which the wine is tasted and drunk. Let's settle for sweeet, full-bodied, rich, almost too rich, yet not overpowering, with the perfect weight and balance I expect from Warre at its best. Drink now-2020.
WA 88 (12/1988): This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The 1970 remains rather unyielding but still impressive. |
|
|
1970 |
Port Signs of Old Seepage |
$134 |
3 |
|
| |
MB [***[*]] (12/1996): Well over two dozen, all complimentary. By 1990, pristine purple easing a little, and starting to mature; lovely fruit, fragrance and vinosity. One bottle in 1994 packing a punch, lacking Warre elegance, another, later, 'elegance' re-instated. Later still the same year, at a big Symington tasting, firm flavour noted. Next year in Hong Kong, complete. And so forth. My notes range from medium-sweet to very sweet but, as so often, one's perception depends on the context in which the wine is tasted and drunk. Let's settle for sweeet, full-bodied, rich, almost too rich, yet not overpowering, with the perfect weight and balance I expect from Warre at its best. Drink now-2020.
WA 88 (12/1988): This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The 1970 remains rather unyielding but still impressive. |
|
| Dow |
1975 |
Port |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
MB [***[*]] (10/1998): Sixteen notes, deeply impressive shortly after bottling and consistently good throughout the 1980s. It seemed to me best after about ten years. Most recently at the Dow bicentenary tasting, palish, fully mature, drying out a little, lean but still an attractive wine. Drink soon.
WA 85 (1/1989): This is an extraordinary house that seems to have been particularly successful with its vintage port since 1977. The 1975 is good, but for some reason has never blossomed and developed any complexity. It is fully mature, fruity and soft.
WS 78 (12/1999): As hollow as most '75s, this is a vintage Port on the way down. Spirity, with flowers and fruit and a diluted finish.--Dow vertical. Past its prime. |
|
| Fonseca |
1975 |
Port |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/1988): Fonseca is one of the great port lodges, producing the most exotic and most complex port. If Fonseca lacks the sheer weight and power of a Taylor, Dow or Warre, or the opulent sweetness and intensity of a Graham, it excels in its magnificently complex, intense bouquet of plummy, cedary, spicy fruit and long, broad, expansive flavors. With its lush, seductive character, one might call it the Pomerol of Vintage ports. When it is young, it often loses out in blind tastings to the heavier, weightier, more tannic wines, but I always find myself upgrading my opinion of Fonseca after it has had 7-10 years of age. The 1975 which is fully mature, shows just how good this house can be; it is port to seek out since the vintage does not have the reputation or the price tag that 1977 and 1970 do. It should drink magnificently for another decade or more. |
|
| Taylor |
1975 |
Port Signs of Old Seepage; Wine-Stained Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2025): The 1975 Taylor's Vintage Port is understated on the nose compared to the 1970 and 1977, with scents of degraded red fruit, ash, fig and clove, beautifully defined but discreet. The palate is medium bodied with a slightly candied entry, offering blood orange and red fruit, allspice and clove, with just a dab of gingerbread on the back palate. Very cohesive on the finish, this is not a powerful Vintage Port—that is a strength, not a weakness. Lovely. (Drink between 2025-2045)
MB [***[*]] (12/1993): The best '75 by far. Immensely impressive in 1977 and, despite losing its concentration, with richness and sweetness in the early 1980's. In the early 1990's still relatively deep, youthfully plummy; hard, prune-like fruit; very sweet, quite powerful, stern, lean yet fleshy for a '75, with dry tannic finish. Showing some maturity thoughstill hard. Lovelyflavour. Taylor 'grip'. Last noted Dec 1993. Drink 2005-2020. |
|
|
1975 |
Port Signs of Old Seepage |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2025): The 1975 Taylor's Vintage Port is understated on the nose compared to the 1970 and 1977, with scents of degraded red fruit, ash, fig and clove, beautifully defined but discreet. The palate is medium bodied with a slightly candied entry, offering blood orange and red fruit, allspice and clove, with just a dab of gingerbread on the back palate. Very cohesive on the finish, this is not a powerful Vintage Port—that is a strength, not a weakness. Lovely. (Drink between 2025-2045)
MB [***[*]] (12/1993): The best '75 by far. Immensely impressive in 1977 and, despite losing its concentration, with richness and sweetness in the early 1980's. In the early 1990's still relatively deep, youthfully plummy; hard, prune-like fruit; very sweet, quite powerful, stern, lean yet fleshy for a '75, with dry tannic finish. Showing some maturity thoughstill hard. Lovelyflavour. Taylor 'grip'. Last noted Dec 1993. Drink 2005-2020. |
|
|
1975 |
Port (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,220.97 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2025): The 1975 Taylor's Vintage Port is understated on the nose compared to the 1970 and 1977, with scents of degraded red fruit, ash, fig and clove, beautifully defined but discreet. The palate is medium bodied with a slightly candied entry, offering blood orange and red fruit, allspice and clove, with just a dab of gingerbread on the back palate. Very cohesive on the finish, this is not a powerful Vintage Port—that is a strength, not a weakness. Lovely. (Drink between 2025-2045)
MB [***[*]] (12/1993): The best '75 by far. Immensely impressive in 1977 and, despite losing its concentration, with richness and sweetness in the early 1980's. In the early 1990's still relatively deep, youthfully plummy; hard, prune-like fruit; very sweet, quite powerful, stern, lean yet fleshy for a '75, with dry tannic finish. Showing some maturity thoughstill hard. Lovelyflavour. Taylor 'grip'. Last noted Dec 1993. Drink 2005-2020. |
|
| Warre |
1975 |
Port |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 86 (12/1988): This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The1975 is soft, supple and clearly mature. |
|
| Graham's |
1977 |
Port (1.5 L) |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
MB [****[*]] (12/1999): A very good wine. Almost black in colour in 1979: a big, apple-nosed, very sweet, rich but angular wine. Gradual colour loss through the 1980's but, as it matured, a wonderful melange of fragrances developing: liquorice, strawberry, fig; fleshy, lovely fruit. Nearly 20, always admiring, notes. Showing well at Gidleigh Park port tasting in 1995: medium-deep with red-brown rim; very rich, powerful bouquet opening up beautifully; sweet, good body and backbone, marvellous length, spicy finish. Most recently: delicious! Now-2030.
WA 88-90 (9/2008): This Grahams has a meaty, almost savory nose that needs some reining in. The palate is a bit diffuse, with notes of raisin, fig and a touch of toffee on the alcoholic finish. Not the greatest 1977 I have tasted and surpassed by the 1966 tasted a week later, but it is still a very fine port that should be consumed soon. Drink now-2010. Tasted September 2003. |
|
| Taylor |
1977 |
Port |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 97 (12/2008): Good ruby color still. The nose is fresh, with lots of crushed berry and plum, with a hint of piecrust. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a caressing texture. This delivers loads of complex fruit and spiciness. Medium-sweet. A beauty. Will improve for decades, but why wait? '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective. Drink now.
WA 96 (1/1989): This house must certainly be the Latour of Portugal. Their ports are remarkably backward yet still impressive when young. Of all the vintage ports, those of Taylor need the longest time to mature and even when fully mature seem to have an inner strength and firmness that keep them going for decades. Their tawnys are also among the very best, though somewhat expensive. The 1977 has consistently been at the top of my list of vintage ports in this great vintage, although the Dow, Graham, and Fonseca are equally splendid. It is a mammoth, opaque, statuesque vintage port of remarkable depth and power, but is should not be touched before 2000.
NM 95 (11/2007): A deep garnet core with brick rim. The nose is very tight and quite conservative with strawberry, baked cherry, tobacco and wild hedgerow. After thirty minutes it remains quite stoic, tucked up in its shell. The palate is impressive: good depth and concentration, very well balanced with an attractive crispness. Perhaps you could argue that it is a more linear Taylor's compared to the -70, you could almost say it lacks some charm. But there is immense complexity here so I would suggest leaving it for another decade and enjoy the -66 or the -70 instead. |
|
| | USA Red |
| Inglenook |
1974 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Wine-Stained Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$229 |
1 |
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