Sandeman Vintage Port 2000
Like Grahams, Sandeman is of Scottish origins and is much-loved by Port lovers worldwide, thanks to the famous brand logo of the Sandeman Don. Their Vintage Ports are always excellent, but the 2000 deserves extra pundits for its intensity, complexity, and finesse. The nose is explosive, packed full of black-fruit aromas, underpinned by a full-bodied palate and firm tannins. Concentrated, powerful, and refined, the 2000 will cellar for decadesan exceptional Port from an exceptional producer.
Your First Bottle Of Port: Ruby Port
Start with a Ruby Port. Ruby Port is on the opposite side of the spectrum from Vintage Port in almost every way, which, for the novice Port appreciator, has more pluses than minuses. Vintage Port, while the undisputed King of Ports, is less enjoyable for everyday imbibing because it has to be treated like fine chinaits fragile, expensive, and only for special occasions. In fact, its so delicate that it has to be consumed within 24-48 hours of opening the bottle.
A worthy Ruby Port, on the other hand, costs around $15 and stays good for a month or longer after uncorking it. Ruby Port is typically a blend of young Ports that have been barrel-aged for about three to five years.
Ruby Port is often filtered , meaning its ready to drink as soon as its bottledno decanting required. This makes Ruby Port perfect for popping open and serving in a small glasses along with fruit, cheese and other desserts.
Most Ruby Port is fruit-forward, making it tasty and accessible, albeit starkly less complex than more expensive Ports. Ruby Port can even be served slightly chilled, on the rocks or in cocktails .
For recommended buys, see this Seattle Times column by Paul Gregutt. He gives some excellent descriptions of his top ruby Ports, but Ill give you the highlights very quickly here:
Warres Vintage Port 2000
One of the finest producers in the Symington Portfolio of Port houses, Warre consistency makes one of the most concentrated and fruit-rich Vintage Ports in the Douro. It is always full-bodied and very perfumed, boasting a rich, black-fruit intensity that lingers long after the final sip. It is this structure and distinctive character which ensures that top vintages will cellar for decades the 55 is still going strong! The 2000, although still relatively young, is already showing its potential with a rich palate of dark fruits and a lush, velvety smooth texture. This will keep, although being honest, who could bare to cellar such an irresistible Port?
Don’t Miss: Making Beer Bottle Glasses
Taylors Late Bottled Vintage 2012
Taylors Late Bottled Vintage offers a lot more for the amount of money you will be paying to purchase this scintillating delight. The first clue to the intensity level of flavor bottled up in this Port wine is the slightly purple hue of the thick liquid within.
Taylors LBV is fruity, i.e., you will taste the likes of cherry, plum, and blackberry upfront. And then a little wood character follows suit.
There are little savory notes to go on with this Port wine nevertheless, you will love it immensely.
Quinta Do Noval Nacional Vintage Port 1985
It was Novals former owner Jose da Silva who first saw the potential of a small plot of ungrafted vines that continue to produce Nacional, the most sought-after of all Ports. Today run by the amiable Christian Seely of the AXA-Millesimes group, Nacional is not simply an outstanding Port it is one of the greatest fine wines on earth. Only produced in the best vintages, the 1985 Nacional is a Port of stupendous depth, power, and elegance, with a distinctive earthy, spicy dark plum character. However, for the full potential of Nacional to be seen, the wine must be allowed to age it becomes a monumental Port after 20-30 years cellaring, age adding flesh, richness and yet more complexity.
You May Like: What Kind Of Wine Is Stella Rosa
Port Wines: The Brief History
Port has an interesting history and packs a lot in one glass. It is a fortified wine that originates from Douro Valley which is situated in the northern provinces of northwest Portugal. Fortified wines are alcoholic beverages that have been blended with some distilled spirit. Brandy is usually utilized in this case.
Port is sweet and often comes in different styles which range from the youthful Ruby Port to Late-Bottled Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies, and all the way to the distinguished pricing and character of Vintage Port.
Port wine may be deeply associated with Portugal, but in reality, it owes much or at least part of its conception or invention to England. The alcoholic beverage is a by-product of the war between the Brits and France, which took place all the way from the 17th century to the 18th century.
Expectedly, the English refused to do business with the French and therefore, boycotted French wine, especially during the late 17th century. And so, because of the continuous conflict, the English had to source their red wine from Portugal and had nothing to do with Bordeaux from France.
Bordeaux was the highly respected location of Claret, Englands first love in the wine universe.
However, the Brits also noticed that the brandy sweetened the Port wine considerably, especially when it was added early enough. This led the residual sugars in the Port wine to be at a high level at the end of the day.
Quinta Do Noval Black Port
Scoring 90 points and above with professional wine critics, Quinta Do Noval Black is our favorite port for under $20. The flavor profile accentuates fresh fruit flavors over aged brandy notes. This quality makes this an excellent port for newcomers to fortified wine, as well as long-time port drinkers looking for a light, sweet after dinner drink. The nose has lots of big fruit flavors, including cherry and blackberry. The palate is also deep and juicy, with lots of black cherry. The finish is a little bit spicy and shows off dark chocolate flavors, making this an excellent port to drink either by itself or while enjoying a plate of chocolate truffles.
Recommended Reading: Wine With Least Amount Of Sugar
Use The Right Serving Glass
Believe it or not, the glass in which you serve Port wine can drastically change your drinking experience, and its been backed up by science.
Scientists have shown that the geometry of a glass affects how vapor rises from the wine which influences how it tastes.
This introduces Port glasses, shrunken wine glasses with narrow mouths which hinder evaporation and promote flavor.
Normal wine and sparkling wine glasses are fair substitutes as well.
Sandemans Founders Reserve Ruby Port Best Entry Level Ruby
Where basic Ruby port is aged no more than three years, a Reserve Ruby like this one gets a couple more years in the barrel or steel vat meaning youll get the classic powerful fruit and berry flavors of a Ruby port tempered by just a touch of age. A good step up, and only a few dollars more, if youre looking to add a little edge to the fruit, heat, and sweetness of a classic ruby.
Also Check: Kim Crawford 70 Calories
The 10 Best Port Wines To Buy In The Uk 2021
Port isnt just for Christmas and it isnt just for cheese, either. In fact, the best port wines which is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley of Portugal is the drink of the moment and
With often only half the alcohol content of vodka or gin, youll find a growing number of bar lists featuring port in all sorts of ways you had probably never imagined. Not all port only consists of the heavy, ruby coloured stuff either. You can get all kinds, including white port , each with different characteristics.
Dont miss our buyers guide which tells you everything you need to know when choosing the best port for your references and budget and you can also scroll down to see our top recommendations for ports of all types.
Kopke 10 Years White Port 75 Cl
Kopke 10 Year Tawny Port has a golden honey colour. It has deep red fruit flavours and a mouth-filling richness.The red fruit structure merges easily into a more mature, nutty character. It has a smooth, rich, chocolate texture. Its dryness, of wood ageing, is shown through the sweet caramel that leads to the magnificent aftertaste.Kopke 10 Year Tawny Port is a balanced aged Tawny Port, fruity with a good ageing hints. Red fruits are well present with an extraordinary acidity, holding wood and spice flavours. It has a delicious, ripe aftertaste.This is made from red grapes that, as with rosé wine, are left for a short time in contact with the juice after pressing to give colour and a little bit of tannic grip. Sweet and fruity, its best served over ice with tonic garnished with a slice of orange.
Recommended Reading: Wine On White Shirt
Tasting Notes For Port Wine
Port is a sweet, fortified wine with numerous styles: Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, Late Bottled Vintage , White, Colheita, and a few unusual others. Ruby Ports usually pack the most value and are ready to drink once bottled. Typical characteristics are ripe cherry and blackberry flavors with stewed plums, cocoa and dates. Tawny ports are tawny in color and have flavors of toffee, caramel, toasted pecans, vanilla, dried apricot, citrus peel, green figs and roasted espresso. The age designation on a Tawny port indicates the average age of the grapes in the bottle. These are not intended for age once bottled. When Port wine is made with high quality grapes selected from a single notable vintage, it is called Vintage Port. Some of the best recent vintages are 2016, 2011, 2007, 2003, 2000, 1997 and 1994. Vintage Port is complex full-bodied with many flavors possible: concentrated blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and spice, smoke, coffee and chocolate. Vintage ports tend to improve in the bottle up to approximately 30 years from the vintage. LBV Port comes from a single-vintage Ruby Port and may spend six years in the barrel before being bottled. These are ready to drink 3-6 years after release. Serve most Ports slightly chilled at around 55-65°F.
Port Wine: What Is Port
Okay, this question may come as a surprise or look unnecessary after discussing the origin of this remarkably sweet alcoholic beverage. However, it is necessary so that you can have a full understanding of both its origin and how it is made.
Port wine also referred to as Vinho do Porto or Porto in Portugal is a sweet and fortified alcoholic beverage that is produced in the viticultural region of Douro Valley in Portugal. The region is responsible for the cultivation of over 50 white and red grapes that are utilized to make Port wine.
The most common indigenous grapes that find their way into bottles of premium Port include:
Touriga Nacional: this grape offers structure consistentlyTouriga Franca: this grape comes with velvety tannins to add a softer edge to Port wineTinta Roriz: this grape is as delicious as Tempranillo, Spains king of grapesThe name Port was derived from Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. This coastal city is situated strategically at the very mouth of the Douro River where merchant ships, for centuries, were loaded with heavy casks of Port and journeyed up the coastline to England.
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Wine At Aldi
Here Are The Top 5 Port Wine Brands
Taylor Fladgate. Offering nearly every type of Port wine, this maker is regarded as the most prestigious in its class. Globally recognized for its remarkable Tawnies and Vintage brews, Taylor Fladgate stands alone as the Port of choice. You can obtain a delicious bottle of 10-year-old Taylor Fladgate for a mere $30.
Quinta do Noval. Since 1715 Quinta do Noval has supplied the world with an amazing Port wine. No decanting necessary, this dark chocolate and luscious drink is profoundly concentrated and complex. Serve this before a meal for the greatest effect as an aperitif. This luxury wine can be purchased for a mere $55.
Grahams has one of the most recognizable vintage Ports on the market. Its complex recipe and aroma stem from its ripe fruit and well-structured tannins, which adds to its unique dry flavor. Its perfect level of acidity allows it to hold up for decades in the wine cellar.
For an interesting, and uniquely different Port, try Dows 40-year-old Port. This wine has not only turned GREEN under the weight of time, but is enchanted with subtle raisin and vanilla layers that turn this Port into one of the most delectable after-meal sippers imaginable. Keep in mind youll only experience this port if you have around $150 to spare.
Fonseca Crusted Port 75cl
Lets be honest, a crusted drink doesnt sound very inviting. But dont be fooled. This rare style of port hasnt been filtrated, hence the wine forming a crust in the bottle, and is only made by a limited number of producers. Made from a blend of two or three vintages, the idea is you get the best of all the harvests and this one is both creamy and smooth and pairs well with puddings, especially with berries and chocolate or with strong cheeses. Be sure to decant it first you wont want to drink that crust.
Read Also: How To Make Glasses Out Of Wine Bottles
Niepoort Vintage Port Best Super Tawny
Basically a tawny port treated like a vintage port, with grapes selected all from one year thats barrel-aged at least seven years. The resulting oxidative effects of protracted barrel-aging, with a mellower fruitiness that leans toward amber nuttiness and softened, woody complexity. Rich and rewarding, theyre also pretty hard to find. If youve found yourself enjoying older tawnies, and see this offering from Niepoort , dont hesitate to lay down some serious green.
Late Bottled Vintage Port
Late Bottled Vintage Port is made from wine thats aged in wood for about four to six years. Unlike Ruby Port, LBV Port comes from a specific vintage and will have a year shown somewhere on the label. Late Bottled Vintage Port is ready to drink as soon as you purchase itno cellaring required.
LBV can be bottled filtered or unfiltered . Crusted/unfiltered LBV has more character, and even improves upon cellaring for up to 10 years. But youll want to get yourself a metal wine decanting funnel and a decanter to remove the sediment when its ready to drink.
Don’t Miss: What Wine Has The Lowest Calories
Best Ruby: Taylor Fladgate Fine Ruby Porto
Courtesy of Minibar
Another old-timer in the field of port, Taylor Fladgates been in operation since 1692. Their port is of such high quality that the business managed to survive past Portugals disruptive and devastating earthquake of 1755 and bring you this delicious wine today. To keep up with modern times, the winery commits to sustainable practices for this perfect, efficiently-produced after-dinner wine.
Aged for roughly two years in oak vats, resulting in jammy black plum and blackberry on the nose with an oaky chocolatey undertone. Heavy flavors of dark fruits and a hearty, full-bodied structure give way to a hint of spice on the finish.
Best Colheita: 2007 Quinta Das Carvalhas Colheita
Courtesy of Total Wine
The vineyards at Quinta das Carvalhas have a front-row seat at a sharp bend of the famed Douro River where their vines are over a century old. The wood-aging process for their Colheita bottle is minimal, letting the fine fruit hog the spotlight.
Oaky and spicy with intense chocolate and raisin aromas, this wine is smooth, balanced, and comfortably sweet. Rich and mellow toffee is on the palate with red fruits and caramel flavors. The wood-aging shines through after a hearty gulp.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Red Wine Out Of A White Shirt
How To Choose The Best Port For You
What are the different kinds of port?
Port is a fortified wine produced in the Duoro Valley, in the northern provinces of Portugal one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. There are several different types, each with their own unique characteristics. These include:
Ruby Port Aged for 2-3 years in barrels or vats, these are full-bodied ports that are meant to be drunk young. They are fruity, vibrant and a great accompaniment to the cheeseboard or with berry-based desserts.
Reserve Port These are usually slightly better quality than ruby ports. Aged for a bit longer, they offer more sophistication and complexity but have the same deep red colouring and fruity flavours.
Late Bottled Vintage Port Aged for 4-6 years, these ports have lots of character but are lighter than traditional vintages. Best with soft cheeses.
Vintage Port Made from the best grapes of a single year, the vintage refers to an outstanding harvest. After being aged for around two years, vintage ports are further aged in bottles. The best ones can be aged for decades and are both powerful and elegant. They go well with dark chocolate, blue cheeses or on their own.
Single Quinta Vintage Port These ports are produced from a port houses best vineyards in a great year, but may not be quite good enough for a declared Vintage Port. Great with cheese.
Best Splurge: Quinta Do Vesuvio Vintage Port Capela 2017
Courtesy of Wine.com
The Quinta do Vesuvio winery has been around as far back as the mid-1500s, but is currently run by the famed Symington family whove preserved the traditions of their Douro appellation to bring you absolute gems like this vintage port. The Symington family are into their fifth generation as makers of port and the grapes used for the knockout Capela 2017 grew off of vines that have been around since their first generation was working the land.
There are heady aromas of black tea, lavender, blueberry, black currant. Coarse tannins underscore the fresh flavor of dark and red fruits. This is dry with a dramatically long finish. Pair this well-structured stunner with rich meats and cheeses.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does Red Wine Last In The Fridge
