Port

[j.price]

I have come into possession of a bottle of Ramos-Pinto Oporto 1912 vintage. I would like some info on it's value and history.

[Bucko]

1912 was an outstanding vintage. The house of Ramos-Pinto is just so so, and my references say that their first vintage Port was 1924, so where did 1912 enter the picture I wonder?

[j.price]

Bucko, It says 1912 vintage on the label. Thanks for your reply. Regards, J.P.

[Thomas]

Give or take a dozen years, Port is still a great drink. I hope you don't think you will get rich on that bottle--open it and have a good time.

[OportoRAH]

Ramos Pinto which has been around since 1880 did actually produce their first VP in 1924. I have had their 1921 Colheita which was way over the hill and I am glad it was not from my cellar. The 1912 must be a Colheita (single vintage Tawny) and that is the best wine style this house produces from the four various quintas they source grapes from. Their owners nowadays are unfortunately French, and the name Louis Roederer will be familiar to most. The 1912 vintage itself produced outstanding Vintage Porto and I have only had one 1912 Colheita and that was from Niepoort in 1998. It was an amazing example of how great certain producers and certain vintages are. That was easily a very solid A+ wine. From my tastings in Portugal with Jose Antonio Ramos-Pinto Rosas in 1994, I had the opPORTunity to try some old and unique wines of theirs, but unfortunately NOT the '12. It is definitely NOT going to get any better so find a special occasion and consume it soon. It will not fetch that much money at auction...possibly $150 or so. Good luck and if you do drink this, let us know your impressions.